Leading trade unions have welcomed the Labour government’s announced intention to repeal anti-strike laws put forward by the Conservatives.
The government has revealed it will repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, which aimed to require a minimum level of service to be maintained in some sectors during industrial action.
But Labour now plans to scrap it via a new Employment Rights Bill, which is set to be introduced within the party’s first 100 days in government.
On of Britain’s largest unions UNISON posted on X (formerly Twitter) to welcome the move, saying: “Not one employer used the Tories’ unworkable and divisive anti-strikes law. Proud our movement stood together to oppose this attack on working people.”
Goodbye to bad laws 👋
Not one employer used the Tories’ unworkable and divisive anti-strikes law.
Proud our movement stood together to oppose this attack on working people✊ #RightToStrike https://t.co/UHHCi8OlBR
— UNISON – UK’s largest union (@unisontheunion) August 6, 2024
The RMT, which represents transport workers, also tweeted approved with the words: “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”
Good riddance to bad rubbish 👏 https://t.co/RVBTJbBdRz
— RMT (@RMTunion) August 6, 2024
READ MORE: Sign up to our must-read daily briefing email on all things Labour
Announcing the government’s move, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “Attempting to clamp down on the fundamental freedom of working people has got us nowhere and this was targeted at sectors who dedicate their lives to serving us all.
“That’s why we’re scrapping this pointless law and creating a new partnership between business, trade unions and working people through our New Deal.
“Repealing this legislation is the first part of our plan to reset industrial relations so they are fit for a modern economy.”
SHARE: If you have anything to share that we should be looking into or publishing about this story – or any other topic involving Labour or the election – contact us (strictly anonymously if you wish) at [email protected].
SUBSCRIBE: Sign up to LabourList’s morning email here for the best briefing on everything Labour, every weekday morning.
DONATE: If you value our work, please donate to become one of our supporters here and help sustain and expand our coverage.
PARTNER: If you or your organisation might be interested in partnering with us on sponsored events or content, email [email protected].
Value our free and unique service?
LabourList has more readers than ever before – but we need your support. Our dedicated coverage of Labour’s policies and personalities, internal debates, selections and elections relies on donations from our readers.
