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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:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
