TRADE UNION RIGHTS

Early day motion 405, tabled 6 March 2001 by Kelvin Hopkins (Labour). Signed by 64 members.

That this House notes the publication of the Institute of Employment Rights booklet 'Union Rights and Wrongs - Why Britain is out of Step'; further notes the publication of their Charter of Trade Union Rights supported by UNISON and other trade unions; believes that Britain's trade union laws are far more restrictive than comparable countries, such as those of Western Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or even the USA; further believes that people in the United Kingdom should enjoy equivalent rights to those of their European neighbours and other English-speaking countries; therefore supports the proposal, that the Directive on Information and Consultation should be adopted in the UK; further supports the right of trade unionists to recognition, representation, freedom of association and industrial action in accordance with agreed international labour standards; and calls on the Government to strengthen the rights of British trade unions to bring them in line with the rest of Europe.

Signatures by party: Labour 53, Labour/Co-operative 5, Liberal Democrat 4, Plaid Cymru 2.