Trade Union Bill update Hannah Reed Senior Employment Rights Officer

Trade Union Bill Making it harder for working people to protect their jobs, livelihoods and quality of working life Undermining constructive employment relations Place at risk benefits of joint working between employers and unions –Safer workplaces –Family friendly policies –Equality

Ballot thresholds Undemocratic –Abstentions counted as ‘no’ votes –Against international standards Disproportionate effect on women – 73% of those covered by 40% threshold Government refuse to permit e- balloting

Use of agency workers Employers will be able to use agency staff to replace strikers Impact on: –Safety –Quality of service –Staff morale Agency workers given no choice

Restricting rights to picket and protest

Government u-turn No reporting on use of social media Not all pickets need to wear armbands No new criminal offences Changes to the Bill: –No need to show police / public letter on demand

But.... Unions must still appoint a picket supervisor Union must notify police of: –Supervisor’s name and contact details –Where picket taking place Supervisor must: –Have a letter of approval –Wear armband or badge –Be present / able to attend at short notice

Limiting representation at work Reporting on facilities Power to cap time spent on: –Raising safety standards –Promoting learning opportunities –Negotiating pay and conditions –Accompanying members at grievance and disciplinaries

Limiting representation at work Ban on check-off Re-writing collective agreements and contracts of employment  So much for Localism!

Tying unions up in red tape Opt-in to political funds New powers for the CO Levy to cover costs of CO

CIPD says “trade union reforms are an outdated response” FT says “the government is crossing the road to pick a fight” RPC: “Not fit for purpose”!

TUC Campaign

Any questions?