To: The National Executive Council (NEC) of Mandate Trade Union
STOP THE SILENCING OF MANDATE MEMBERS—REINSTATE LORNA LANGAN AND THE SUSPENDED FIVE
"An injury to one is the concern of all."
I, Lorna Langan, alongside other dedicated members of this union, am being targeted for one reason: we demanded transparency and stood up for the interests of the rank-and-file membership.
On March 22nd, 2026, the NEC took the unprecedented and procedurally defective step of suspending my membership and that of four other members. This was done to "facilitate an investigation" based on complaints from industrial staff regarding my candidate profile and Facebook posts that other members simply "liked" or shared.
I, Lorna Langan, alongside other dedicated members of this union, am being targeted for one reason: we demanded transparency and stood up for the interests of the rank-and-file membership.
On March 22nd, 2026, the NEC took the unprecedented and procedurally defective step of suspending my membership and that of four other members. This was done to "facilitate an investigation" based on complaints from industrial staff regarding my candidate profile and Facebook posts that other members simply "liked" or shared.
Our Demands:
- Immediate Reinstatement: We demand the immediate lifting of the interim suspensions of Lorna Langan and the other four affected members.
- Respect the Rule Book: Mandate must cease all "ultra vires" actions that bypass the authority of the BDC.
- End the Penalisation: Stop the targeting of members who make protected disclosures regarding financial oversight and governance.
- Protect Democratic Rights: Ensure that all candidates have a fair and unhindered right to contest the upcoming internal elections as per Rule 25.2.
By signing this petition, you are telling the Mandate leadership that this union belongs to its members, not to unaccountable structures or those who wish to avoid oversight. We will not allow our representatives to be silenced for protecting our money and our interests.
Stand with Lorna. Stand with the Suspended Five. Stand for a Transparent Mandate.
Why is this important?
Why This is an Attack on All Union Members:
- Targeting Whistleblowers: This suspension is a clear act of penalisation under the Protected Disclosures Act. I have raised serious, documented concerns regarding the misuse of union funds, lack of transparency in senior staff salaries, and the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to cover up wrongdoing.
- Silencing Dissent: Members are being suspended simply for engaging with social media posts that ask difficult questions. If the union can suspend you for "liking" a post, no member is safe from arbitrary discipline.
- Election Interference: These suspensions were timed specifically to block our participation in the upcoming Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) and NEC elections. This is a direct violation of Rule 25.2, which guarantees every member the right to a fair opportunity to contest elections.
- Procedural Lawlessness: The NEC has ignored its own Rule Book. Under Rule 13.1, the NEC does not have the power to issue indefinite standalone suspensions without a formal referral to the BDC for a final determination. Furthermore, the "procedural ambush" used to suspend us ignored the mandatory notice periods required by Rule 26.3.
- Conflict of Interest: The process has been influenced by conflicted individuals, including staff representatives who are themselves complainants in the matter.
