This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-39526414
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Whole Jersey lifeboat crew resigns over sacking of coxswain | Whole Jersey lifeboat crew resigns over sacking of coxswain |
(about 3 hours later) | |
All 25 members of a lifeboat crew have resigned in protest at the sacking of their coxswain. | All 25 members of a lifeboat crew have resigned in protest at the sacking of their coxswain. |
Volunteers at St Helier Lifeboat Station in Jersey have walked out amid claims Andy Hibbs was "bullied" by senior management at the RNLI. | Volunteers at St Helier Lifeboat Station in Jersey have walked out amid claims Andy Hibbs was "bullied" by senior management at the RNLI. |
The RNLI said it asked Mr Hibbs to stand down "due to serious breaches of the RNLI's Volunteer Code of Conduct". | |
Claims of bullying are taken "very seriously" and are being investigated, the RNLI said. | |
Mr Hibbs said he thought the organisation was breaking Jersey's laws and said he is "humbled" by the support of his crew. | Mr Hibbs said he thought the organisation was breaking Jersey's laws and said he is "humbled" by the support of his crew. |
Officials from the RNLI met the crew on Thursday evening after complaints were made against Mr Hibbs, the BBC understands. | Officials from the RNLI met the crew on Thursday evening after complaints were made against Mr Hibbs, the BBC understands. |
More on St Helier lifeboat crew resigning, and other Jersey news | More on St Helier lifeboat crew resigning, and other Jersey news |
Mr Hibbs said: "I was sacked pretty much. The whole thing was just a joke. | Mr Hibbs said: "I was sacked pretty much. The whole thing was just a joke. |
"I was being bullied by senior management in the RNLI and I refused to accept it." | "I was being bullied by senior management in the RNLI and I refused to accept it." |
A statement from the RNLI said the situation was "incredibly complex" and a "confidential process". | |
It said: "The RNLI has asked one volunteer at St Helier lifeboat station to stand down with immediate effect. | It said: "The RNLI has asked one volunteer at St Helier lifeboat station to stand down with immediate effect. |
"We have worked closely with the volunteer for some time but have been unable to resolve a serious breakdown in the relationship between the individual and the charity. | |
"Unfortunately this impacted on the RNLI's ability to effectively deliver a safe and effective rescue service from St Helier. | |
"Other volunteers have chosen to step down, which has forced the RNLI to declare the St Helier lifeboats off service temporarily. | "Other volunteers have chosen to step down, which has forced the RNLI to declare the St Helier lifeboats off service temporarily. |
"We understand the impact of standing down volunteers and we do not take such decisions lightly." | "We understand the impact of standing down volunteers and we do not take such decisions lightly." |
The St Helier lifeboat should be back in service in a few days, the RNLI said. | The St Helier lifeboat should be back in service in a few days, the RNLI said. |
A former member of Jersey's RNLI has said there will be a protest held on Sunday. | |
Paul Battrick said there would be a "silent gathering" at 10:00 BST to support the volunteer crew members. | |
He said he hoped the protest will get the RNLI "to see sense". | |
Jersey will have lifeboat cover from the other Channel Islands stations - St Catherine's, St Peter Port and Alderney. | Jersey will have lifeboat cover from the other Channel Islands stations - St Catherine's, St Peter Port and Alderney. |
Previous version
1
Next version