Consultation launched on law that could see striking nurses sacked
Posted 29 August 2023 - 16:12
Ministers seek views on how anti-strike law should work but unions still pledge to oppose it
The government has launched a public consultation on how minimum service levels should be ensured during future industrial action, including when nurses go on strike.
The six-week consultation launched on 25 August follows the enactment of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act, which enables the government to set minimum service levels during industrial action within essential services including healthcare, fire services, education, passenger rail services and border security.
The legislation allows employers to issue work notices to individuals during strike action and workers could be sacked if they fail to comply.
The government is now seeking views on how the law can be implemented to establish a code of practice for trade unions and their members to follow during industrial action.
Ministers ignore evidence that law is unworkable and will escalate disputes, says TUC
Responding to its launch, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) branded the consultation a ‘sham’ while Unison called the law ‘pointless and totally unnecessary’.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak pledged to continue to fight the new law. He said: ‘This is a sham consultation. Ministers have ignored a mountain of evidence on how these laws are unworkable and will escalate disputes.
‘This government seems intent on breaching fundamental rights guaranteed by international law. That’s why we will fight this legislation all the way – exploring all avenues, including legal routes.’
He said the trade union movement would rally behind any member who was sacked for exercising their right to strike.
Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said the vagueness of the law would make it extremely difficult to enforce and cause headaches for both trade unions and employers.
Right to strike must be balanced with public’s right to access essential services, says minister
But business minister Kevin Hollinrake said: ‘We believe in the right to strike but this must be balanced with the public’s right to access essential services and get on with their daily lives.’
He said the consultation would enable trade unions, employers and workers to give feedback on whether the proposals set out a clear and fair process for trade unions to follow to ensure members comply with a work notice.
The RCN was contacted for comment. The consultation is open until 6 October.
Further information
In other news