The Trade Union Bill and Beyond

With the Government's ideological and damaging Trade Union Bill currently being debated in the Lords, and as part of the TUC's heartUnions week, Class, together with the Institute of Employment Rights (IER) and the Campaign for Trade Union Freedom (CTUF) are holding a public meeting to discuss the undemocratic nature of the Government's Bill and the next steps for the trade union movement. The event is free and open to anyone to attend.

The Government's Bill is a blatant attack on trade unions and includes draconian restrictions on the right to strike, with the introduction of a 50% voting threshold for union ballots turnouts and a new requirement that 40% of those entitled to vote must vote in favour of industrial action in certain essential public services including fire, education, health and transport. In addition, the Government has proposed new legislation to change union political funds from the current ‘opt-out’ system to an ‘opt-in’ system, a transparent attempt to reduce the ability of trade unions to fund not only political parties but a wide range of other non-party political activities. An “opt-in” system for trade union political funds would affect all political activities of trade unions, as well as donations to the Labour Party. You can read more about the Government's proposals in our briefing here and on our blog.
 

Speakers include:

Angela Eagle MP, Shadow Secretary of State BIS

Christine Blower, General Secretary NUT

Dave Ward, General Secretary CWU

Mick Cash, General Secretary RMT

Professor Keith Ewing, IER

John Hendy QC, IER

Sally Hunt, General Secretary UCU

Paul Nowak, TUC Assistant General Secretary

Mark Serwotka, General Secretary PCS

Dave Prentis, General Secretary UNISON

Fátima Aguado Queipo, International Secretary FSC-CCOO

Steve Turner, Unite AGS & Chair People’s Assembly

Mick Whelan, General Secretary ASLEF

Dave Ward, General Secretary CWU

More information about this free event can be found on the IER's website