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Rail union chief steps down amid sex pest claims: Manuel Cortes retires after probe into allegations of harassment and bullying gets extended
- Boss of militant rail union responsible for months of travel chaos stepped down
- Manuel Cortes left Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association general secretary role
- Comes as probe into accusations of unwanted touching and bullying extended
- Has apologised for hurt caused by behaviour but denied claims of harassment
The boss of a militant rail union responsible for months of travel chaos has stepped down amid allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.
Manuel Cortes retired as general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) this week after an inquiry into his alleged misconduct was extended.
He was one of the three figureheads responsible for a wave of strike action aimed at crippling the country, alongside Rail, Maritime and Transport boss Mick Lynch and Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan.
Manuel Cortes retired as general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) this week after an inquiry into his alleged misconduct was extended
Born in Gibraltar, Cortes was a key supporter of Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour leadership bid and had planned to retire this year before allegations of misconduct emerged
The 55-year-old is facing accusations of unwanted touching and demanding that women he worked with kiss him.
He has apologised for hurt caused by his behaviour but denied claims of harassment.
It comes as Baroness Helena Kennedy KC was appointed to investigate accusations of sexual harassment and bullying at the organisation.
Initially expected to deliver her findings before Christmas, Lady Kennedy has now requested that a leadership contest for Cortes’ replacement should be delayed until her findings are finalised.
He agreed to step down as general secretary on Monday after 11 years to avoid breaching trade union laws.
The boss of a militant rail union responsible for months of travel chaos has stepped down amid allegations of sexual harassment and bullying
Frank Ward, previously assistant general secretary, has been temporarily appointed ahead of an election in early 2023.
He said: ‘I wish him [Cortes] a long and healthy retirement.’ Cortes was granted an extra year in charge during 2022 due to the fallout from Covid but union leadership must be put to the ballot every five years.
Born in Gibraltar, Cortes was a key supporter of Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour leadership bid and had planned to retire this year before allegations of misconduct emerged.
It comes as TSSA prepare to launch yet more strike action in November as a winter of disruption looms over Britain.
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