Dominic Browne 15 April 2015

Unions fear ‘return to Thatcher’ under Tory strike laws

Conservative plans to crackdown on strike action by setting tough new voting thresholds have been labelled an attack on ‘democratic and legitimate rights’ by unions.

At least half of balloted workers would have to vote for the industrial action under the Tory manifesto plans - while in transport, health, education and fire, strikes would require the support of at least 40% of those entitled to vote as well as a majority of those who cast a ballot.

‘This turnout threshold will be an important and fair step to rebalance the interests of employers, employees, the public and the rights of trade unions,’ the document states.

It adds: ‘We will also repeal nonsensical restrictions banning employers from hiring agency staff to provide essential cover during strikes; and ensure strikes cannot be called on the basis of ballots conducted years before.’

Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary, accused the Tories of trying to ‘turn the clock back to the era of Margaret Thatcher and her union-smashing agenda’.

‘When it comes to electoral credibility and thresholds, David Cameron must be a little red faced when so many of his own cabinet and ministers failed to win 40% of the vote in the 2010 election,' he said.

‘The fact is that trade unions in the UK already face some of the most restrictive laws in Europe. If David Cameron wants to increase participation in ballots then he should join us in demanding the right to secure online voting and the ability for workers to vote in their workplaces.’

There is currently no minimum voting threshold for strike action in the UK.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner