GCHQ 25 Years On

Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of the decision to ban Trade Unions at the Government Communications Head Quarters (GCHQ). In January 1984 the Conservative Government at the time made a decision to ban trade union membership in the intelligence gathering centre.

The foreign secretary announced to a shocked House of Commons that independent unions would be banned from GCHQ.

The TUC, CCSU, the leaders of all opposition parties, and MPs from all parties erupted in indignant anger at this declaration.

In the short period between the announcement and the implementation of the ban on 1 March 1984, the entire labour movement joined forces to oppose the ban.

The level of solidarity, particularly from trade union members in those areas unconnected with the civil service or even the public sector, was a great source of encouragement to their counterparts in GCHQ.

After 1 March, a determined group of 150 union members remained steadfast in refusing to give up their rights. They became known as the “GCHQ trade unionists”. In 1988, 14 workers were dismissed because of their refusal to resign their union membership.

During the 1980's and 1990's annual marches were held in January, these continued until the ban was lifted. This occurred when Labour won the general election in May 1997 and subsequently they restored full trade union rights.

On Friday July 25 the sacked trade unionists made a symbolic march back inside GCHQ to mark the end of the infamous union ban, some of whom continue to work in GCHQ to this day.