Issue - meetings

The council acknowledges:

·       The vital work that trade unions play in workplaces in Cambridge and beyond;

·       That the right to strike is a fundamental human right;

·       That without unions, we would not enjoy many of the workplace rights we have today.

The council notes:

·       That unionised workplaces are more likely to have better terms and conditions, higher wages, improved maternity, paternity and carer leave policies, better job stability for staff, as well as stronger health and safety arrangements.

·       That the UK has the most restrictive anti-union laws and some of the tightest regulations on strikes in Europe.

·       That the Government intends to introduce the Minimum Service Levels Bill covering six service sectors, which the TUC has described as an ‘attack’ on the right to strike.

·       That the intention of this legislation would require Unions and employers to agree minimum levels of service during times of strike action, and in the event of no agreement Government Ministers could impose these limits, with Unions then liable to be sued and workers potentially dismissed if they don’t comply.

·       This legislation has raised many concerns with some legal experts noting that there are likely to be legal challenges raised.

The council believes:

·       That industrial disputes are best resolved through negotiation not measures designed to undermine and potentially outlaw industrial action.

The council resolves to:

·       Stand in solidarity with striking workers who are fighting for better pay and conditions.

·       Continue to work alongside the local Trades Council on relevant work such as the TUC’s ‘Stay Safe, Join a Union’ Campaign and ‘Heart Unions Week’.

·       Write a letter from the leader of the council to the Prime Minister and Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, outlining this council’s concerns and opposition to the Minimum Service Levels Bill.

Councillor Gilderdale proposed, and Councillor Pounds seconded the following motion:

The council acknowledges:

      i.         The vital work that trade unions play in workplaces in Cambridge and beyond;

    ii.         That the right to strike is a fundamental human right;

   iii.         That without unions, we would not enjoy many of the workplace rights we have today.

The council notes:

      i.         That unionised workplaces are more likely to have better terms and conditions, higher wages, improved maternity, paternity and carer leave policies, better job stability for staff, as well as stronger health and safety arrangements.

    ii.          That the UK has the most restrictive anti-union laws and some of the tightest regulations on strikes in Europe.

   iii.         That the Government intends to introduce the Minimum Service Levels Bill covering six service sectors, which the TUC has described as an ‘attack’ on the right to strike.

  iv.         That the intention of this legislation would require Unions and employers to agree minimum levels of service during times of strike action, and in the event of no agreement Government Ministers could impose these limits, with Unions then liable to be sued and workers potentially dismissed if they don’t comply.

    v.         This legislation has raised many concerns with some legal experts noting that there are likely to be legal challenges raised.

The council believes:

      i.         That industrial disputes are best resolved through negotiation not measures designed to undermine and potentially outlaw industrial action.

The council resolves to:

      i.         Stand in solidarity with striking workers who are fighting for better pay and conditions.

    ii.          Continue to work alongside the local Trades Council on relevant work such as the TUC’s ‘Stay Safe, Join a Union’ Campaign and ‘Heart Unions Week’.

   iii.         Write a letter from the leader of the council to the Prime Minister and Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, outlining this council’s concerns and opposition to the Minimum Service Levels Bill.

Resolved (unanimously) to support the motion.