GMB expels member who claimed links with Jewish Labour brought union ‘into disrepute’

The GMB trade union has confirmed it has expelled a London member after he linked the Jewish Labour Movement with the “most right-wing Israeli regime in history” and with the massacre or expulsion of Palestinians in a disaffiliation motion.

A spokesperson for the union, which has taken a leading role tackling antisemitism and other forms of racism among its membership, confirmed that Bert Schouwenburg had been ousted “following a thorough process” which “examined numerous allegations, including antisemitic statements.”

Schouwenburg, who had previously worked as GMB’s international officer,  was suspended last year, after a motion submitted by the union’s Walthamstow branch, was deemed to contain “potentially legally actionable” and “antisemitic allegations.”

The motion wrongly claimed JLM were “effectively the UK wing of the Israeli Labour Party”  who were  responsible for the “massacre or the expulsion of three quarters of a million Palestinians. ”

It added:”JLM conflates anti-Zionism with antisemitism” and called for GMB general secretary Gary Smith to sever all ties with the group.

According to the motion, the GMB’s work with the JLM has brought “the union into disrepute.” 

After Schouwenburg was suspended, the letter sent to him by the union, informing him of an investigation into his conduct was leaked to the far-left website Skwawkbox.

On social media Schouwenburg has regularly made inflammatory claims about Israel, with references to the Nazis and to fascists.

He recently labelled Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak “the SS”, after the Labour leader spoke at the recent JLM one day conference at JW3, he tweeted:”No doubt he’ll tell the assembled Zionists that he’s proud to support the barbarism of the genocidal Israeli state.”

Schouwenberg has also attacked the GMB for donating money to a financial appeal launched by Ukrainian trade unions, and wrote articles in support of Brexit in the past.

He also condemned the Guardian newspaper claiming in one article:”Julian Assange would be free today if not for the Guardian. Jeremy Corbyn would be PM of Britain today if not for the Guardian.”

In a statement the union confirmed to Jewish News:”“GMB expelled Mr Shouwenburg following a thorough process, conducted in accordance with our rulebook, which examined numerous allegations, including antisemitic statements. 

“Our union has zero-tolerance of all forms of racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism and our record shows we have taken firm action wherever such incidents occur. 

“GMB is proud of the diversity of our membership and we will continue to act swiftly in defence of expected standards and behaviours.”

The GMB union has been at the forefront of  wider attempts by the movement to rid itself of members who spout antisemitic abuse and conspiracy theories.

General secretary Smith, and Warren Kenny were both in attendance when GMB launched a Jewish faith workers branch , founded by Rabbi David Mason and Rabbi Richard Jacobi, and supported by JLM.

At the event Smith spoke about the central role in labour movement history played by Jewish workers.

In 2019 GMB expelled former shop steward Pete Grigson after he claimed Israel was “a racist endeavour” that “exaggerates” the Holocaust for “political ends”.