האגודה הישראלית לחקר יחסי עבודה

Sean Hoyle, RMT, in proposing motion 20 this morning (13 September), supported by PCS, warned that the Trade Union Act would effectively turn back the clock to the days of slavery.

“When a worker cannot withdraw their labour they are little more than modern day slaves,” Hoyle said.

Hoyle rallied delgates to support a general strike across unions in protest of the Act, as well as specific conference to discuss action taken.

This was supported by Ian Murray, FBU, who said that “for the last two years we have been talking the talk, but I’m afraid that now it is time to walk the walk”.

“We’ve done well but we have not done well enough until the act is long gone,” he added.

Emergency plan

Murray called for a special meeting to discuss the action that will be taken against the act; an emergency plan of action to be decided on and steps taken to support members that will be found to be found in breach of the act.

“We need to consider all tactical approaches,” Murray urged.

Congress noted that under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership the Labour party remained committed to the repeal of anti-trade union laws.

Hoyle said that Corbyn’s support in repealing the Act was “why we need” a Corbyn-led Labour government in power - a rallying call which was met with cheers from the delegates.

Underlined by the Congress was that the Trade Union Act is expected to weaken unions as well as provide legal uncertainty as it will give employers the tools to challenge unions.

This was underlined by Tony Burke, Unite, who said that the “right to organise must be free from ‘union busters’”.

Read more news from PCS at #TUC16.

Original Source