WEU Opposes the Trade Union Bill 2015

14 September 2015 | W.E.U Admin | Workplace Wellbeing

The Workers of England Union stands firmly against the Trade Union Bill 2015. We echo Jeremy Corbyn’s view that the government is “attacking working people” by introducing this legislation. Even some Conservative MPs, such as David Davis, have likened elements of the Bill to “something out of Franco’s dictatorship in Spain.”

For an in-depth analysis, see our related article: Keeping our Members Informed: The Workers of England Union Opposes the Trade Union Bill 2015

Proposed Changes to Strike Ballot Rules

Under current regulations, a strike can proceed if a majority of those voting are in favour. The Trade Union Bill 2015 seeks to impose more restrictive thresholds:

Minimum Turnout: 50% of eligible members must participate in any strike ballot.
Public Sector Threshold: At least 40% of all eligible public sector members must back strike action.
Extended Notice Period: Unions must give 14 days’ notice—up from seven—before industrial action.
Agency Workers: Employers may recruit agency staff to replace striking employees.
Fines for Pickets: Unions face penalties up to £20,000 if pickets do not wear an official armband.
Check-Off System Abolition: The Bill ends the system for collecting union subscriptions directly from salaries.

Key Arguments Against the Bill

“This is the biggest attack on unions in 30 years,” warns Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC, arguing the measures threaten “the very principle of the right to strike.” She cautions that banning fair, democratic industrial action could push workers to more disruptive, unregulated forms of protest.

Sir Paul Kenny of GMB has declared he would be “prepared to go to prison” rather than accept fines for pickets. Meanwhile, Unison leader Dave Prentis vows to fight the Bill tooth and nail—even withdrawing from NHS partnership agreements if necessary.

Political Responses

Jeremy Corbyn commented that the Bill will make it harder “to defend jobs, pay and pensions” through strike action. He warned: “This government is once again choosing the wrong path.”

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell pledged Labour’s unanimous opposition, promising to support union demonstrations and stand “with you at every stage.”

Defending the reforms, Business Secretary Sajid Javid claims they will stop “endless” threats of strike action, while Employment Minister Nick Boles insists the changes will ensure strikes occur only after a “clear, positive and recent decision by those entitled to vote.”