UK: Unions and strike laws

New UK laws allow ministers to enforce minimum service during strikes. UK trade unions say they will 'name and shame' UK employers who call staff in to work during strike action, claiming that new ‘minimum service’ laws infringe workers' rights and could effectively ban public sector employees from taking strike action.

Why it matters: Regulations to implement the new legislation in rail, ambulance services and border security passed this week, as did a statutory code of practice unions will be expected to follow.

The big picture: The unions are also looking to develop tactics to get around the new laws such as refusing to work overtime or working strictly “to rule”.

Yes, but: Labour Party leader promises to reverse the legislation if his party wins the next election, due in 2024.

Additional material:

Union statement: HERE 

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, op-ed in the Guardian: HERE