Row over plan to tighten laws for strikes

PLANS for new laws designed to crack down on strikes and picket lines are to be unveiled today – but have already provoked a backlash from trade unions.

Conservative ministers want a minimum turnout of 50 per cent in a strike ballot before a walkout is legal.

Union leaders denounced the plans as “draconian” and said they would remove all incentives for employers to listen to staff.

The Tory Government says that current laws allow a small minority of trade union members to fundamentally disrupt the lives of millions.

The new Trade Union Bill will address that imbalance, it says.

Under the plans, strikes must be held within four months of a ballot and there will be greater controls over the time union representatives are allowed to spend on activities in the public sector.

A consultation will also be launched on modernising picketing rules.

Unions said they would also be forced to give 14 days’ notice for strike action, while a ban on agency staff would be lifted.

Ministers also want to change trade union subscriptions so members have to actively choose to pay into funds for political parties.

Scottish ministers said they opposed the measures to “further restrict the right to strike”. .

Business Secretary T Sajid Javid said: “These changes are being introduced so that strikes only happen when a clear majority of those entitled to vote have done so and all other possibilities have been explored.”

Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis said: “These spiteful proposals will deny millions of ordinary workers a voice at work. Strikes are rare and the decision to lose a day’s pay is never an easy one – especially for public-sector workers who have suffered many years of pay restraint.”