23 October 2010

Carolyn Jones, IER Director

Despite a sucessful lobby in support of John McDonnell’s Lawful Industrial Action (Minor Errors) Bill, only 89 MPs turned up to support the Bill when it was discussed in Parliament on 22nd October 2010. The Bill aimed to simplify procedures around industrial action ballots and notices.

But the issue is not going to go away. Trade unionists continue to challenge attacks on their terms and conditions and employers contunue to challenge that democratic union right through the Courts.

The CBI and others want to see even harsher restrictions introduced relating to the right to strike. John McDonnell MP pointed out that if MPs were subject to the same democratic hurdles suggested by the CBI and Borris Johnson for strike ballots then only 38 MPs would have been elected. Amongst those who would not be in Parliament are George Osborne and Nick Clegg.