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14/09/2015
Parliament To Debate Trade Union Bill
The government's proposed Trade Union Bill is to undergo its second reading in the Commons today, during which MPs will debate the proposals.
Under the new Bill unions would need a minimum of 50% turnout in strike ballots; a minimum of 14 days notice before a strike can be held, up from seven; allow employers to use agency workers during strikes; a £20,000 fine if unions fail to wear an official armband; and to end the "check-off" system for collecting union subs direct from a salary.
The TUC have previously criticised the Bill as a "waste of police time".
Speaking today ahead of the Parliamentary debate, General Secretary of the TUC, Frances O'Grady, said: "History will remember this Conservative government's Trade Union Bill as the biggest attack in thirty years. Not just against trade unions, but against our best chance of raising productivity, pay and demand. Because here is a simple truth: you can't create wealth without the workforce. And you can't spread that wealth around fairly without trade unions.
"If an employer believed we couldn't strike, they wouldn't bother to bargain. We wouldn't have safe workplaces, we wouldn't have paid holidays and we wouldn't have equal pay."
(MH/CD)
Under the new Bill unions would need a minimum of 50% turnout in strike ballots; a minimum of 14 days notice before a strike can be held, up from seven; allow employers to use agency workers during strikes; a £20,000 fine if unions fail to wear an official armband; and to end the "check-off" system for collecting union subs direct from a salary.
The TUC have previously criticised the Bill as a "waste of police time".
Speaking today ahead of the Parliamentary debate, General Secretary of the TUC, Frances O'Grady, said: "History will remember this Conservative government's Trade Union Bill as the biggest attack in thirty years. Not just against trade unions, but against our best chance of raising productivity, pay and demand. Because here is a simple truth: you can't create wealth without the workforce. And you can't spread that wealth around fairly without trade unions.
"If an employer believed we couldn't strike, they wouldn't bother to bargain. We wouldn't have safe workplaces, we wouldn't have paid holidays and we wouldn't have equal pay."
(MH/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
