So ministers have finally published their minimum service levels bill – it’s here.
The TUC’s initial press response is here. Paul Nowak said “This is an attack on the right to strike. It’s an attack on working people. And it’s an attack on one of our longstanding British liberties. It means that when workers democratically vote to strike, they can be forced to work and sacked if they don’t. That’s wrong, unworkable, and almost certainly illegal.”
An online campaign briefing for unions was held on 12 January. This is the link to the online briefing slides
We will keep members informed on how this campaign will progress. In the meantime we would encourage members to sign the urgent online petition to protect the right to strike or attend the emergency demo opposite 10 Downing Street, today at 6pm, organised by RMT.
The RMT said: “The Government tabled legislation that launches a fundamental attack on our democratic and human rights to withdraw our labour. The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill will give the Secretary of State for Business the power to set Minimum Service Levels following “consultation” across six different sectors including Transport, Health, Fire and Rescue, Education, Nuclear and Border Security.
“The second reading of this Bill takes place in Parliament on Monday 16th January and we are mobilising an emergency demo to send a clear message to Government that we will simply not accept this attack on our fundamental and democratic rights to strike.”
If any Napo members are able to make it, please do so, bring flags and banners.
