The controversial Trade Union Bill has recieved Royal Assent, bringing in tough new rules for transport workers that pose ‘a serious threat’ to industrial relations, unions said.
Ministers have argued the Bill, which is now an Act, will modernise unions and ensure strikes will only go ahead when there has been a ballot turnout of at least 50%.
In key public services, such as transport, health and education 40% of eligible members must give their support before industrial action can take place.
Employment minister Nick Boles said: ‘These changes will ensure people are only ever disrupted by industrial action when it is supported by a reasonable proportion of union members.
‘The Trade Union Act means the rights of the public to go about their lives are fairly balanced with members’ ability to strike.’
Prime minister David Cameron last month backtracked on the most controversial aspect of the Bill, which proposed stopping all council staff from paying union fees directly from their wages.
This was dropped after complaints from unions and now only applies to new members, under a phased approach.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: ‘While we are pleased to have secured significant changes to the Trade Union Bill, it still remains a very bad and divisive bill.
‘This legislation, even in its amended form, poses a serious threat to good industrial relations and is completely unnecessary.’
This story first appeared on our sister website, Localgov.
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