The UK government has unveiled new legislation aiming to enforce minimum service levels in key public sectors during future strike actions.
The proposed laws could allow companies to sue unions for industrial action and dismiss employees who participate in strikes.
The controversial bill, introduced in parliament, targets six critical areas: transport, health, education, fire and rescue services, border security, and nuclear energy.
Business Secretary Grant Shapps stated that the move is designed to “ensure the safety of the British public,” emphasizing that public servants are “the lifeblood of the country.”
Shapps noted that similar regulations are already in place in several European nations, including Spain, Italy, Germany, and France.
However, critics, including opposition parties and trade unions, argue that the bill will make industrial action more difficult in the future. The Trade Unions Congress (TUC), representing nearly 50 unions and over 5.5 million workers, called the legislation undemocratic.
“If passed, this bill will prolong disputes and poison industrial relations—leading to more frequent strikes,” TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said.
Before becoming law, the bill must be debated and approved in parliament, a process expected to take months, which may not address the current issues facing the UK.
Winter of Strikes
Ministers are attempting to pass the laws amid a period of significant industrial action.
With inflation soaring to a 40-year high of nearly 11 percent, millions of public sector workers are demanding higher wages to cope with the rising cost of living.
In recent months, parts of Britain have been paralyzed by planned strikes from numerous professionals, including teachers, nurses, driving instructors, and border force staff.
As part of contingency plans last month, the armed forces were deployed to cover gaps, such as driving ambulances and staffing border checkpoints at airports.
As the UK grapples with these challenges, the proposed legislation adds another layer to the ongoing discussions about workers’ rights, public safety, and economic stability.
Reference(s):
UK government unveils new 'anti-strike' laws amid wave of stoppages
cgtn.com
