A TOP union boss has issued a stark warning over bullying to a Sellafield contractor as a fresh wave of strikes is announced.

Len McCluskey, Unite's general secretary, used a video message to warn Mitie if it continues to “harass and bully our members taking legitimate strike action, the whole of Unite will come down on your heads.”

Mitie's 180 Unite members are in their second stint of strike action following a row over pay.

The dispute is a result of staff employed by Mitie on the Sellafield contract, including security guards, cleaners, catering, vending, laundry and environmental operatives rejecting the company’s pay offer which would see workers being paid £8.21 per hour.

And now the union has announced a further 10 days of action from May 19.

Speaking to the News & Star, a source has revealed shocking accounts of bullying of Mitie staff working at Sellafield, including an incident where a female guard was denied to use the toilet during her shift, resulting in her wetting herself.

“Despite numerous phone calls to their senior supervisor they were told they could not go to the loo. One of the male employees had to urinate in a bottle and the other, who was female, couldn’t wait any longer and she wet herself. When they finally got off shift the girl had to go home on the train in her soiled clothing, as no clothing was supplied. She was terrified to say anything,” said the source.

It is understood that following an internal investigation, the senior supervisor was demoted and put to work on the gates, side by side with those they bullied.

And a letter, which was leaked to the News & Star, reveals attempts by Mitie to intimidate staff. The letter, written by Unite to Mitie’s management, threatens legal action over the company’s alleged intimidation. It says staff were asked to disclose which union they were members of and how they voted in the ballot for strike. Staff were also allegedly threatened with disciplinary action if they refused to disclose the information.

Unite regional officer Ryan Armstrong said: "Unite is now upping the ante and putting further pressure on Mitie to end poverty pay at Sellafield. The totally solid support of our members demonstrates that Mitie’s attempts to bully and harass them has rebounded and resulted in hardening our members resolve to secure a decent pay rise.

"The strike action is having a huge effect on Sellafield’s operations with the canteen now barely functioning and workers reporting how quickly buildings have become dirty. Mitie bosses need to see sense and return to the negotiating table with the understanding that poverty pay rates must end at Sellafield."

But Mitie strongly denies any wrongdoing.

A spokesman for the company said: “We take any allegations regarding bullying and the health and safety of our staff very seriously, and all grievances raised are investigated fully with the necessary actions taken. However, claims of intimidation against those taking part in industrial action are unfounded – in fact we have actively encouraged trade union membership to our employees working at the site. We have arranged cover to ensure the normal continuation of services across the sites and minimise any potential disruption.”

Mitie's Unite members are currently taking 10 days of industrial action, which began on May 4.

Contractors working at Sellafield took a stand by withdrawing their labour for two days last week to show solidarity to bullied workers.

The more than 2,000 contractors want to see a bullying and mental health policy agreed jointly with the trade unions representing all contractors on site to be put in place.

Sellafield commissioned an equality, diversity, and inclusion survey in autumn 2017 which revealed a quarter of its workforce believes bullying is tolerated at the site. The data was circulated to employees via its intranet and earlier this year a campaign was launched to put a lid on the misconduct.

Mitie only recognises the GMB union. It has over 500 staff working at Sellafield.

A Sellafield spokesman said: “Sellafield Ltd is not directly involved in the dispute, which does not involve any of our employees. However, we are taking steps to mitigate the impact of the industrial action, to ensure there are no implications on safety and security surrounding our operations at Sellafield.

“As always, the safety and security of the Sellafield site, our workforce, and the local community is our priority during any industrial action.”