By Bruce Robbins

ALLEGATIONS OF bullying by Dundee Airport firefighters, including claims that sex phone texts were being sent to female members of staff, prompted an investigation by Dundee City Council, it was confirmed yesterday.

The council was forced to take action after a woman raised the issue with public service union Unison.

She is understood to have made allegations about two members of the Blue Watch firefighting team although other airport employees of both sexes were also believed to have been targeted by bullies.

Although predominantly aimed at Blue Watch personnel, the bullying claims extended further into other areas of the airport’s operations.

The city council has now drawn up a list of recommendations to deal with the issue, which could include special training for those behind the bullying.

Unison’s Tayside branch secretary Rory Malone said the allegations were “fully investigated” by the city council and certain proposals have since been implemented to address concerns.

He said, “The measures were designed to ensure that if there is any inappropriate behaviour, then it is addressed.

“Everyone involved was satisfied by the recommendations.”

Mr Malone described the council investigation as “intense.” He said it would take a “period of time” to resolve the issue. The investigation was concluded in June and the recommendations are now being enacted. Mr Malone confirmed that the bullying was aimed at more than one person.

The Courier understands that several members of airport staff were unhappy at the conduct of two firefighters in particular.

The investigation is known to have included the issue of text messages of a sexual nature which were apparently sent by firefighters to female staff. A source at the airport said the bullying had become “serious” and resulted in two people taking time off work to cope with stress.

A Dundee City Council spokesman said they were not prepared to discuss staff issues.