Petition at work (without incitement)

[Nutrance2017]

Hi,

A highly respected work colleague (a manager) got suspended just over a month ago and last week was given a final written warning and then told he was being demoted. Now there is a lot of suspicion that the overall manager and another manager have 'stitched' this manager up as the overall manager wanted his friend to have the demoted managers position, and the other manager involved would do anything if they thought it would help them climb the ladder so to speak!

A group of us have started a petition at work and we already have a third of the 200ish employees signatures in two days (it takes around a week to see everyone because of shift patterns). There is no encitement on this petition whatsoever, it is a petition with a simple request that the overall manager considers reinstating the demoted manager to his respected position. Also no one has been forced to sign it, we are not like that and it has been made clear that those who do not wish to sign it will not be looked upon any differently. It is personal choice!

Now I have just completed a law degree, but can not really find any legislation or protective rights when it comes to petitioning or submitting a unified request and I was hoping that you wonderful people on this forum may have more experience and would be able to point me and the others in the right direction of what we can and can't do as the management at work have started to get twitchy fingers about this petition (simple request)! I would also point out that there is no negativity, no threats and no demands on the petition, it is just a simple 'please would you reconsider reinstating?'

Thanks in advance guys and gals 😊

[ULA]

Re: Petition at work (without incitement)

Having done some research through legal resources there is nothing I can find that can advise on any outcome your petition may have either for the colleague you are trying to help or for those of you that sign the petition.

I would however just ask whether anyone asked the colleague concerned if he minded a petition being started on his behalf?

Does the company recognise a union as it may be more appropriate that the petition is given to them to then discuss with the management of the company? They can act as a bit of a buffer.

How are you making it clear that no-one has to sign the petition thereby being able to prove that no-one is feeling coerced into signing it?