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Category: Unions / Domestic Violence / Industrial Relations

Union boss steps aside amid domestic violence allegations

Thursday, 24 Nov 2016 15:45:30

Jim Metcher is standing aside while a committee examines allegations reported by the media. (AAP: Dean Lewins)

Jim Metcher has "voluntarily" stood aside from his job as state secretary of the NSW Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) after media reported this week six charges had been laid against him in 2007 for allegedly assaulting his family.

No conviction was recorded against Mr Metcher and a joint statement released by his wife Margaret and the couple's children Kylie and Nathan, described the reports as "grossly inaccurate", adding the media had not contacted them to verify the story.

On Wednesday, Mr Metcher resigned from the executive of Unions NSW and the disputes committee, after a request from Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey.

Deputy leader of the Labor Party Tanya Plibersek told Radio National the ALP had "kicked him out of the Labor Party".

But the National Secretary of the CEPU Allen Hicks said Mr Metcher "voluntarily stood aside from the position of [state] secretary" and other positions within the union.

Mr Hicks said a committee would make a "full and thorough assessment of the factual circumstances surrounding a number of allegations made against Mr Metcher in the media".

"Our union once again wants to make clear that we condemn any form of domestic violence and will continue to work with other unions, community organisations, and individuals to address the scourge of domestic violence in our community," he said.

Metcher put family and union first: CEPU

The union's Shane Murphy stepped in behind Mr Metcher to become acting state secretary of the NSW CEPU.

He said Mr Metcher would stand aside while a committee "undertakes a process to establish and verify the facts surrounding accusations made in recent days by the media".

"Jim has been a committed leader of this union for more than 20 years and, as always, has determined to put the interests of the union's members, and his family, first," he said.

"Jim's wife Margaret, daughter Kylie and son Nathan maintain media reports surrounding this incident are grossly inaccurate and made without seeking verification from them, or any regard for them as apparent victims.

"As such, I am urging the media to respect their feelings and their rights to privacy."

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