RE Patrick Harrington's letter about the Solidarity trade union (HAS, Sept 25).
"Hilarity" rather than "Solidarity" would be a better title for this BNP-promoted organisation which is supporting the teacher suspended from Sunnydale Community College, Shildon, over allegations of misuse of school equipment.
It believes in "One Big Union", but in the official figures (Certification Officer website) it seems to have only 42 members throughout the UK.
I believe the BNP claims to have several thousand members. If so, they clearly have enough sense not to join this pretence at being a proper union.
Given the contributions of its few members appears to be about 50p a week, it raises some interesting questions.
Is Patrick Harrington, Solidarity's general secretary, who now appears to be based in Spennymoor, claiming benefits or being funded from the BNP directly? Clearly, the outfit's tiny income cannot finance his food, lodging and travel from his usual base in Scotland.
Do any employers, other than the BNP and its front organisations, recognise Solidarity? I think not.
Many employers have sensible arrangements with TUC-affiliated unions to deal with pay bargaining, disciplinary issues and grievances.
They will surely cost more than 50p per week, but you can guarantee they will be far better value for money.
Stuart Hill, Darlington.
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