On Sunday September 13th, as hundreds of delegates meet in Brighton at this year’s TUC Congress, a ‘Kill the bill!’ rally was held to oppose the government’s Trade Union Bill.
Characterised as the latest anti-union government’s legislation, if passed, the new laws would make official strikes much more difficult and give more advantages to employers while cutting away democratic union rights.
Trade unions are calling for a mass demonstration outside Parliament in November when the 3rd and final reading of the Bill is planned and co-ordinated strike action if it becomes law as well as against the cuts and the pay cap.
Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, Convenor of the Green Group of Councillors said:
“The latest proposed anti-union legislation from the Tories takes off from where Thatcher’s anti-union legislation left off- it seeks to annihilate the remaining rights workers have to take strike action. The TUC has complained to the United Nations International Labour Organisation that the legislation contravenes international law.
“The new law is unbelievably punitive- it would mean it would become compulsory for unions to give two weeks’ notice if they intend to use a loudspeaker or carry a banner during a strike! Liberty, Amnesty International and the British Institute of Human Rights have already called the Bill a major attack on civil liberties. It is no coincidence that the latest attack on unions is happening as the Tories unfurl billions of pounds more public sector cuts.
“If this legislation is passed it means a worker’s right to take strike action to defend hard-won rights won’t apply. That will mean abuse and it will produce meaner and less productive workplaces.
“Greens are joining the protests and fringe meetings at TUC Congress and will continue to stand up for workers’ rights. We must kill off this pernicious bill.”