Conservatives toughen up strike laws to weaken unions’ powers
DAVID Cameron has promised new measures to block strikes that don’t have the support of at least 50 per cent of the workforce.
The Prime Minister has announced a manifesto pledge to toughen up strike laws if the Conservatives are elected in 2015. The plans, which are likely to anger trade unions, will force union leaders to meet a 50 per cent turnout rate for strike action and achieve a further majority for action, effectively creating a double majority lock. The party will also reform picket rules to make illegal picketing a criminal offence and limit the amount of time within which a union can call a strike to three months.
Senior Tories hope the tough new measures will put an end to strike action which is driven largely by a small core of union members at the heart of the organisation. Business minister Matt Hancock said businesses and commuters should not have to put up with “disruptive and unnecessary strikes”.