TRADES UNION FREEDOM BILL CAMPAIGN

Early day motion 1604, tabled 19 May 2008 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 145 members.

That this House recognises free and independent trades unions are a force for good in UK society and around the world and are vital to democracy; welcomes the positive role modern unions play in providing protection for working people and winning fairness at work; further recognises and welcomes the fact that union members earn significantly more than non-union members and therefore that unions have a vital role to play in the fight against poverty and inequality; regrets that successive anti-union legislation has meant that trades union rights are now weaker than those introduced by the Trades Disputes Act 1906; is concerned that weaker trades union rights has contributed to a significant fall in collective bargaining coverage over the last 25 years which in turn has contributed to increases in inequality in the UK; therefore further welcomes and supports the Trades Union Congress campaign for a Trades Union Freedom Bill whose principles include better protection for workers, such as those sacked by Gate Gourmet in 2005, allowing limited supportive action, following a ballot, in specific circumstances, and simplification of the ballot procedures; and therefore urges the Government to bring forward amendments to the Employment Bill to reflect the principles contained in the Trades Union Freedom Bill.

Signatures by party: Labour 119, Liberal Democrat 16, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent Labour 1, Respect 1.