Judges join union to deal with grievances

Emilie Cole, Co-Founding Partner at Cole Khan was quoted in The Times newspaper on 10th June 2021.  The Article discusses allegations by the Senior Judiciary to address complaints about bullying, racism and concerns about court safety, which are driving judges to join a trade union and the Judicial Support Network:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/judges-join-union-to-deal-with-a-range-of-grievances-xn9mnhrns

 Cole said “Supporting and recognising a trade union would be a big step forwards in tackling and actively supporting judicial diversity and inclusion.  At Cole Khan, we hear of the many issues of bullying, harassment, discrimination and whistleblowing detriment from judges. There remains a lot of work to be done in tackling the gross under-representation of ethnic minority judges at all levels.  Whilst the old boys network might have protected the interests of the judiciary of yesteryear, a radical shift is needed to tackle the issues that the modern, diverse Judiciary faces.”

There is no legal basis for denying the members of the judiciary the right to form or join a trade union, or deny the legal recognition of a trade union.  Nor is there any reason why a Trade Union can’t be formed and work in accordance with the three guiding principles of Judicial Conduct; judicial independence, impartiality and integrity.

Since winning the Supreme Court case of Gilham v MOJ recognising whistle-blowing rights for Office Holders, Emilie Cole of Cole Khan Solicitors is considered a thought leader on legal issues relating to the judiciary.