Unions have criticized a new measure that would mandate minimum service levels in the public sector during strikes as “illegal, undemocratic, and impractical.”
Some public sector employees would be obliged to work during a strike under the plans.
According to Downing Street, the new legislation is required to “protect the people.”
However, the TUC has warned of legal action if the law passes, and Labour has stated that the measures “will not work.”
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, stated that the measure, if passed, “would prolong disputes and poison industrial relations, resulting in more frequent strikes.”
Mr. Nowak said: “This legislation will allow workers who democratically vote to go on strike to be forced to work and fired if they refuse.
This is anti-democratic, impractical, and probably certainly unlawful.
In response to the growing cost of living, workers in the public sector have engaged in a wave of labor unrest to secure pay raises.
Legislation mandating a minimum level of service during strike action was previously included in the 2019 Conservative election platform for public transportation. In October, a measure was introduced to Parliament.
The government is currently attempting to extend this obligation to five additional areas: the National Health Service, education, fire and rescue, border security, and nuclear waste disposal.
The administration claims that service levels were a safety issue, however, the specifics have yet to be revealed.
To fulfill yet-to-be-announced minimum staffing levels, firms would be able to issue a “work notice” specifying the workers they require.
If the employees on the work notice went on strike, they would lose their right to protection against unfair dismissal.
Consultations regarding the potential minimum thresholds for each sector are about to commence.
‘Proper negotiating’
Grant Shapps, the business secretary, stated, “There must be a baseline level of safety that people can anticipate even on strike days – notably in areas like healthcare, ensuring that an ambulance can arrive, for example – this is currently quite patchy.
He stated on Radio 4’s Today that the proposed legislation is comparable to that of other contemporary European economies.
I believe it’s realistic to expect that if you suffer a heart attack or stroke. You’ll still be able to get an ambulance,” he said. During the latest series of strikes involving nurses, a countrywide level of support was agreed upon.
Mr. Shapps stated that the legislation is being tabled because, during December strikes. Ambulance unions did not voluntarily provide a minimum service level. During the strike, an ambulance was dispatched to the most life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest.
Even though the law was introduced late, Mr. Shapps stated that he hoped the government would “never have to use it”. And that it was not intended to prohibit strikes.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, termed the law a “shameful assault” on democratic rights.
Mr. Wrack said: “This is an assault on all workers, including those who maintained our public services during the pandemic.
It is an attack on the Covid heroes of the United Kingdom and all employees. We need a large-scale opposition movement to counter this totalitarian assault.”
Labour has stated that, if elected, they will repeal the measure.
“The solution to address these conflicts is proper negotiation,” Labour’s shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Ashworth said.
He stated that in countries with minimum service requirements, “it never works.”
Resolving disagreements
Next week, Members of Parliament will have the opportunity to discuss the bill, which relates to England, Wales, and Scotland.
After the law passes the House of Commons, where the Conservatives enjoy a sizable majority. It is anticipated that it will face more opposition in the House of Lords, where the numbers are less favorable.
The legislation would not affect the striking plans for this month, which remain unchanged.
Members of the GMB union who work in the ambulance service are ready to strike on Wednesday.
The official spokesman for the prime minister stated that the health secretary wants to do an “additional study” on proposals to address industrial issues in the NHS before engaging in further negotiations with unions.
Monday’s discussions included a suggestion to backdate the NHS’s wage offer for 2019 to January.
There will be additional discussions in the coming days, according to Downing Street. But negotiations must be “fair, open, and sensible.”
Monday’s round of brief sessions between trades union representatives and government ministers were intended to focus on the upcoming fiscal year. Which begins in April, rather than current pay.
However, according to BBC political editor Chris Mason, the government and at least some unions have changed their tone.
In addition to conversations regarding a one-time payout, it is also being considered to backdate any pay settlement for the next fiscal year to the beginning of this calendar year, giving employees an additional three months at whatever rate they secure in the pay settlement under negotiation.
