Published: Thursday, 26th November 2015
Cannock Chase Council members voted by a majority to lobby government following a motion debated at last week’s Council meeting, regarding the Government’s Trade Union Bill.
The Government proposals include ending the ban on employees bringing in agency workers to cover for permanent staff during industrial action; brings in new restrictions on pickets and protests during strikes, unions will have to give employers and the police the details of a lead picketer on every picket line, as well as submitting a campaign plan two weeks before any action.
The Council at its meeting determined by majority vote to support the TUC’s campaign to protect the right to strike and will write to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills stating the Council’s opposition to this proposal. The Council believes that no one wants to go on strike, but for some it is a last resort when an employer doesn’t listen to their views, negotiate or make a compromise.
Tony McGovern, Managing Director said “As a Council, we have positive industrial relations with our three accredited trade unions – UNISON, UCATT and GMB. The Council will monitor the progress of the Trade Union Bill through Parliament and continue to discuss any implications with trade union representatives as appropriate”.