Unions resemble the SNP in resenting reform

SIR – I feel frustrated by the extreme language used by both TUC and SNP leaders concerning legislation proposed by the Government.

The TUC claims that the proposed labour laws deprive its members of the right to strike. This is patently untrue. The new laws are designed to ensure that the public cannot be held to ransom by a minority of union militants.

Similarly, SNP leaders are disingenuous when they say that “English votes for English laws” proposals will deny their members the chance to vote in Parliament.

All MPs will get the chance to vote after English and Welsh MPs have approved any proposed legislation. This “double majority” requirement safeguards all MPs’ voting rights.

David Kidd

Petersfield, Hampshire SIR – The Government needs to be very careful about its proposal that, in order for industrial action to have validity, any decision in favour has to reach the benchmark of 40 per cent of those able to vote. Under such terms, not one police and crime commissioner’s election has validity.

In the latest general election, there were more than 300 seats where the winning candidate did not achieve 40 per cent of the electorate’s support. In one constituency the turnout was less than 40 per cent. If these 300 MPs and more do not have democratic legitimacy, then neither will the proposed legislation.

G P Cavender

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire SIR – The right to withdraw labour is well-established, but in the modern world no distinction is made between traditional manufacturing and the service industries, where the customer has usually prepaid for the service.

The human rights of the customers appear to be ignored, causing great inconvenience, stress and cost while the law looks the other way.

Brian Cole

Robertsbridge, East Sussex