‘Tyrannisk ledelseskultur’
The recent firings in the political department at the Moderates’ secretariat signify a fresh start following reports of a toxic work environment with sexist undertones at the party’s secretariat in Christiansborg.
– We have come to the realization that there is a department in our secretariat that we believe cannot function with its current composition, and therefore, we are giving it a fresh start.
Last week, Moderates’ employees were given the opportunity to accept a voluntary resignation agreement, and today, the remaining three employees in the department have received a termination letter.
Do you feel confident that those employees, who at least some felt contributed to a toxic work environment with a culture of bullying and belittling staff, can now create a better work environment in the secretariat?
– I feel completely confident in the way we have handled this situation.
Party leader Lars Løkke Rasmussen emphasizes that both the party’s executive board and parliamentary group have shown “unanimous support” for the handling of the issue.
As the top leadership, do you bear some responsibility?
– Ultimately, it is my overall responsibility. I am responsible for founding the party and accountable for both successes and challenges we face.
– I also bear the primary responsibility for the strategic hires we have made. Hence, I am accountable for addressing the issues that have come to our attention now, he says.
DR has obtained the letter that constitutes the firing of the remaining employees in the Moderates’ political secretariat. According to Lars Løkke Rasmussen, it was given to three employees.
“You are released during the notice period and are immediately relieved of your work obligations for Moderates,” the letter states.
At the same time, Moderates remind the terminated employees that they are “still obliged” to remain “loyal in every respect to Moderates.”
‘Tyrannical Leadership Culture’
The saga began at the end of August when BT reported on a problematic work environment in the Moderates’ secretariat, with instances of bullying, sexism, and employees’ futile attempts to seek understanding from the leadership.
In a report to the Labour Inspectorate, which DR has also reviewed excerpts of, employees described the leadership as “tyrannical” and stated that it is not uncommon for staff to “break down in the hallways or leave crying.”