10 April 2017

A Welsh Assembly Committee has backed proposals by the devolved government to reject parts of the Trade Union Act 2016 as it pertains to the Welsh public sector.

Wales warned Westminster that it would fight the imposition of limits on industrial relations in the public sector while the Act was still passing through parliament.

Earlier this year, First Minister Carwyn Jones stayed true to this vow by publishing the Trade Union Bill, which repeals new restrictions of union subscriptions from wages by employers; requirements to publish data on facility time; and a new 40% support threshold on strike ballots affecting important public services.

Now, the Welsh Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee has backed the Trade Union Bill, saying there is no justification for the changes in Wales and that the new rules could place more pressure on employee relations.

"It is clear from the evidence we received that the arrangements in place before the 2016 Act worked effectively in Wales and are conducive to the social partnership approach; an approach that the Welsh Government, trade unions and public sector employers have committed to," Chair of the Committee, John Griffiths, explained.

"While the partnership approach is not without its tensions and difficulties, it seems to be serving Wales well.

"Industrial action across the UK is at its lowest for years and strikes have been less prevalent in Wales than in England in recent years. For example the junior doctors' strike in England was successfully averted in Wales.

"It is clear to us that the success of the social partnership is dependent on equality between partners and that the relevant provisions in the 2016 Act are likely, to varying degrees, to affect this.

"In view of the above, we support the general principles of the Bill and agree that it is needed to disapply the relevant provisions of the 2016 Act."

The Bill will now proceed to stage two of the Assembly's legislative process, where it will be debated in the parliament.