Tories plan new strike laws

The Tories plan to introduce new laws on strikes held by core public services ,the changes include

The backing of at least 40% of elligible members

End of the ban on using agency staff during strikes

A three month wait before action takes place after a ballot

Restrictions on picketing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30747185


Good or Bad ?

My view is that very rarely in recent industrial action have the majority or even a large minority of union members voted for strike action ,they where simply a majority of those who voted .An example cited in the article i have linked to is that the planned London bus strike on Jan 13th was voted for by only 16% of members but because of the way unions work that is considered a mandate to strike ,so yes i largely agree with the planned changes

[Sirius]

Originally Posted by martyh

The Tories plan to introduce new laws on strikes held by core public services ,the changes include

The backing of at least 40% of elligible members

End of the ban on using agency staff during strikes

A three month wait before action takes place after a ballot

Restrictions on picketing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30747185


Good or Bad ?

My view is that very rarely in recent industrial action have the majority or even a large minority of union members voted for strike action ,they where simply a majority of those who voted .An example cited in the article i have linked to is that the planned London bus strike on Jan 13th was voted for by only 16% of members but because of the way unions work that is considered a mandate to strike ,so yes i largely agree with the planned changes

Cannot see an issue with it myself. It should be a % of the whole membership to be honest. If the union cannot get all its members to vote in numbers then that is there problem to deal with.

[Mr Angry]

The last two paragraphs speak volumes.

""The UK already has tough laws on strikes - there is no need to make them stricter still."

And GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said: "Only 16 out of 650 elected Members of Parliament secured the support of 40% of those entitled to vote in their parliamentary constituency area election in 2010.

"Only 15 Tory MPs out of 303 secured that level of support. They had no hesitation in forming a government in 2010 without securing 40% support from the electorate.""

[Sirius]

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

The last two paragraphs speak volumes.

""The UK already has tough laws on strikes - there is no need to make them stricter still."

And GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said: "Only 16 out of 650 elected Members of Parliament secured the support of 40% of those entitled to vote in their parliamentary constituency area election in 2010.

"Only 15 Tory MPs out of 303 secured that level of support. They had no hesitation in forming a government in 2010 without securing 40% support from the electorate.""

Then maybe we need to sort out election rules as well

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

The last two paragraphs speak volumes.

""The UK already has tough laws on strikes - there is no need to make them stricter still."

And GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said: "Only 16 out of 650 elected Members of Parliament secured the support of 40% of those entitled to vote in their parliamentary constituency area election in 2010.

"Only 15 Tory MPs out of 303 secured that level of support. They had no hesitation in forming a government in 2010 without securing 40% support from the electorate.""

It is a fair point that if the Tories wish to introduce this legislation then making it compulsory for MP's to vote in parliament should also be on the table,after all it is the reason why MP's exist at all

[heero_yuy]

Originally Posted by Sirius

Then maybe we need to sort out election rules as well

Especially as Liebour can get into power on as little as 33% of the vote.

I think the change is long overdue, damaging strikes called with only 15% of the membership actually voting for action are farcical. 40% seems a reasonable amount, if the unions can't get that level of support them they shouldn't be calling a strike in the first place.

[Sirius]

Originally Posted by heero_yuy

Especially as Liebour can get into power on as little as 33% of the vote.

I think the change is long overdue, damaging strikes called with only 15% of the membership actually voting for action are farcical. 40% seems a reasonable amount, if the unions can't get that level of support them they shouldn't be calling a strike in the first place.

[Mr Angry]

Originally Posted by martyh

It is a fair point that if the Tories wish to introduce this legislation then making it compulsory for MP's to vote in parliament should also be on the table,after all it is the reason why MP's exist at all

Yes, "lead by example" and all that good stuff.

[richard s]

Barstewards