UNISON Scotland will join the STUC and sister unions for Scotland’s national rally against the UK Government’s Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill which had its third reading in the House of Commons this week. This bill will mean union members would be required to work during a strike under minimum service agreements. The rally will take place in Glasgow Trades Hall today (Wednesday).
Convener of UNISON Scotland, Lilian Macer said: “Disputes don’t just disappear because Ministers make up new laws. Strikes are always a last resort for UNISON members; we want to work with the government to resolve issues but attacking workers makes this much harder.
“The right to strike is protected under international law, for good reason, and UNISON will do everything in its power to stop this legislation going through.
“The fact that the UK government wants to legislate for minimum service levels on strike days but refuse to implement minimum safe staffing levels tells you this has nothing to do with serving the public and everything to do with attacking workers.
“Instead of talking tough, the UK government should concentrate efforts on dialogue with unions to solve wage disputes and support ordinary workers through the cost-of-living crisis. This is what the public are calling for too.”
Notes
UNISON is the Scotland’s largest union. Our 150,000 members work across public services – in local government, the NHS, education, police service, energy and water. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
STUC information about national rally: https://stuc.org.uk/campaigns-and-events/campaigns/defend-the-right-to-strike
UNISON media contactsDanny Phillips: 07717715277 / 07944 664110 / d.phillips@unison.co.ukTrisha Hamilton: 07943 507 307 / t.hamilton@unison.co.uk