TUC Congress votes to campaign against anti-trade union laws
The rights of trade union members are being undermined by the government's strikes act and other legislation.
Proposed by Unite, Motion 01 on Trade Union and Employment Rights condemned attacks on unions posed by the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act and other legislation such as the Public Order Act.
The motion also referred to how the strikes act applies to Scotland, despite opposition, which was overturned by the Tories, and noted that it “demonstrates the case for the devolution of employment law”.
The motion calls on the TUC General Council to oppose new anti-trade union legislation, campaign for the repeal of current anti-trade union legislation, campaign for any elected Labour government to repeal all anti-trade union laws within 12 months of gaining office, and to devolve employment law to Scotland.
Speaking in support of the motion on behalf of PCS, delegate Davina Camadoo called the Strikes Act a “blatant attack on trade unionists” and highlighted the effect it would have on PCS members in the Home Office.
She said the Act is “an attempt by one of the most right-wing governments in recent history to remove the hard-won rights of trade unionists and to essentially criminalise the act of strike action. Although only several key sectors are included in this first part of the legislation, be under no illusions, where possible, this government will extend these rules to a broad range of workers.
“Our members, and those of several other trade unions, could be sacked for taking part in action, which has been democratically voted on by the membership. Trade unions could face substantial fines for any breaches.”
She said it is important for Congress to fight to repeal the act and “ensure that no one is sacked because of their human right to withdraw their labour.”
The motion, which was carried, was heard in a general debate alongside composite motion 1, also carried, which called on the TUC to campaign against the Tories' anti-strike minimum service levels (MSLs) legislation.
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