Union News 14th of May 2024

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1,969 words, 10 minutes read time.

Welcome to Union News This week: Government Benefit Overhaul Sparks Criticism from Campaigners, WASPI Women Await Compensation: Prime Minister Faces Tough Questions, Teachers ‘Morally Blackmailed’ into Excessive Workloads, Union Warns, High Court Greenlights Challenge to Government’s Anti-Strike Laws, Firefighters Urged to Refrain from Assisting Police in Removing Pro-Palestine Protesters, BrewDog Founder James Watt Steps Down as CEO Amid Controversy, and finally, BrewDog Founder James Watt Steps Down as CEO Amid Controversy. Reporting is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg.

Government Benefit Overhaul Sparks Criticism from Campaigners

Campaigners are voicing sharp criticism against the government’s recent benefit overhaul, arguing that it pushes single mothers and others on razor-thin margins deeper into financial instability.

Under the new rules implemented today, universal credit claimants earning less than £892 will be required to search for additional or higher-paying work. Failure to meet these expectations could result in the loss of benefits altogether.

The threshold has notably increased from £617 for individuals and £988 for couples. Now, individuals are expected to earn at least £1,437, a significant jump.

This means that individuals working less than 18 hours a week on minimum wage will now have to actively seek more employment opportunities. Additionally, those working less than half of a full-time week will face more frequent meetings with their work coach to boost earnings or risk penalties.

The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that around 180,000 people will be affected by these changes.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended the reforms, stating that “welfare should always be a safety net and not a lifestyle choice.” He believes the changes will help more people on universal credit transition into well-paid jobs and achieve financial independence.

However, Michael Clarke, head of information programmes at anti-poverty charity Turn2us, disagrees. Clarke argues that the threshold rises severely challenge those juggling jobs with irregular or fluctuating incomes and balancing responsibilities like childcare.

“For single mothers and others on razor-thin margins, these adjustments risk tipping them into crisis, exacerbating financial insecurity and mental stress as they struggle to meet the new demands,” Clarke stated.

He emphasized the importance of a support system that truly aids those in need rather than penalizing them.

These reforms come in the wake of other welfare changes announced by Mr. Sunak last month, including a review into Personal Independent Payment (PIP), a non means-tested benefit aiding individuals with extra costs due to long-term disability or ill health.

Sunak pledged to reduce the number of those with mental health conditions claiming PIP and introduce a more “rigorous” approach, sparking criticism from campaigners who accuse him of launching a “full-on assault” on disabled people.

WASPI Women Await Compensation: Prime Minister Faces Tough Questions

During this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions session, SNP MP Chris Law directed a pointed query to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regarding the much-anticipated compensation for WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women. Law pressed, “Can the Prime Minister finally set out when the WASPI women will receive the compensation they rightly deserve?”

The discussion referenced a motion passed by the Scottish Government advocating for “compensation in full” for the 3.8 million affected women. Responding to the inquiry, Sunak acknowledged the gravity of the issue, stating, “I understand the strong feelings across the Chamber on this topic, and the desire for urgency in addressing them.” He emphasized the need to meticulously review the comprehensive findings of the ombudsman’s five-year investigation before providing an update to the House.

The awaited report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), released in March, recommended payments ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, urging Parliament to take decisive action on the matter. Echoing sentiments from various MPs, who have advocated for larger payouts, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring pensioners’ dignity and security in retirement, citing recent increases to the state pension.

Members of the PHSO, appearing before a parliamentary committee, suggested that some WASPI women might merit payments exceeding the recommended levels outlined in the report. Interim PHSO ombudsman Rebecca Hilsenrath acknowledged the possibility of direct financial loss for certain individuals beyond those included in the sample cases studied.

WASPI chair Angle Madden reiterated the urgency of the matter, underscoring the financial hardships faced by many women as a result of delayed pensions. Madden emphasized the significant impact on those who had sacrificed full-time employment to care for loved ones, asserting the tangible financial consequences of such decisions.

As pressure mounts and expectations heighten, the quest for equitable compensation for WASPI women remains at the forefront of political discourse, underscoring the need for swift and substantive action to address this longstanding injustice.

Teachers ‘Morally Blackmailed’ into Excessive Workloads, Union Warns

Amid mounting concerns over the working conditions of teachers in Scotland, the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA) has sounded the alarm, accusing educators of being “morally blackmailed” into accepting unsustainable levels of unpaid work.

Addressing delegates at the SSTA’s annual conference, union president Stuart Hunter highlighted the pervasive culture of excessive workloads, attributing it to a sense of obligation driven by the belief that additional tasks are necessary “for the sake of the kids.” Hunter lamented the toll this phenomenon takes on teachers’ mental health and called for an end to the cycle of emotional manipulation.

In the backdrop of Glasgow’s decision to slash 450 teaching positions over the next three years, Hunter criticized the lack of support for educators, noting the absence of vital roles such as social workers and educational psychologists. He denounced budget cuts as a political tactic, accusing authorities of prioritizing austerity measures over the well-being of teachers and students.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), hosting its own conference, highlighted the escalating crisis of violence and abuse faced by teachers in schools. NASUWT’s Scotland official, Mike Corbett, emphasized the urgent need for measures to address the effects of this alarming trend, citing recent incidents of weapon attacks on school premises.

Teachers’ safety concerns have been met with calls for immediate action from the Scottish government. While acknowledging the need for enhanced well-being support for school staff, officials stated that over £2 million has been allocated since October 2020 to address these issues.

As teachers and unions continue to raise the alarm on unsustainable workloads and safety risks in schools, pressure mounts on authorities to prioritize the welfare of educators and students alike in Scotland’s education system.

High Court Greenlights Challenge to Government’s Anti-Strike Laws

In a significant legal development, the High Court has granted permission for a judicial review of the government’s controversial Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, a move hailed as a victory for workers’ rights.

Civil Service union PCS will spearhead the challenge against the legislation, which grants employers in specific sectors unprecedented powers to enforce minimum service levels during strike actions, effectively compelling workers to undermine their own protests or risk dismissal.

Both PCS and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as a crucial step in combating what they perceive as an assault on trade union freedoms.

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote condemned the government’s attempt to curtail workers’ right to strike, highlighting the effectiveness of previous strike actions undertaken by PCS members in securing concessions. Heathcote vowed to resist any erosion of workers’ rights and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to challenge the legislation through legal avenues.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak echoed these sentiments, characterizing the Strikes Act as a regressive measure that undermines the fundamental right to strike. He criticized the government’s persistence in pushing through these reforms despite warnings about their potential unlawfulness and detrimental impact on industrial relations.

This legal setback for the government comes on the heels of private rail operators’ refusal to enforce minimum service regulations on striking train drivers represented by the union Aslef. The defiance of these regulations underscores the deep-seated resistance among workers to what they perceive as unjust constraints on their ability to collectively bargain and protest.

As the legal challenge gains momentum, workers and unions remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding the right to strike and challenging legislative measures that impede their ability to advocate for fair wages and working conditions.

Firefighters Urged to Refrain from Assisting Police in Removing Pro-Palestine Protesters

In a show of solidarity with the pro-Palestine movement, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has issued a directive to its 32,000 members, urging them not to aid police in evicting protesters engaging in rooftop occupations of British factories manufacturing weapons for Israel.

The call to action comes in response to an incident in Leicester where firefighters from the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were summoned by police to address an occupation staged by supporters of the direct action group Palestine Action at the Israeli-owned Elbit Tactical Systems factory.

During the operation, firefighters were observed using an aerial appliance to remove a protester from the occupied building, sparking controversy over their involvement in what some perceive as a law enforcement activity.

In a message to firefighters following the incident, FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack underscored the primary role of firefighters in saving lives and protecting communities, emphasizing that there is no justification for their involvement in the removal of protesters. Wrack reiterated the union’s stance in supporting the rights of protesters and advocating for peace and justice in Gaza.

The FBU’s directive advises members to refrain from participating in law enforcement activities alongside the police, particularly in situations involving the removal of protesters. This stance aligns with previous instances where firefighters have declined police requests for assistance during rooftop occupations of arms factories targeted by campaigners.

John Nicholson of Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine recalled an occasion when firefighters, upon being informed of the FBU’s policy on Palestine, opted not to assist police in removing protesters during an occupation at an Elbit UK factory in Oldham.

As tensions escalate in the region, pro-Palestine protests are expected to continue across Britain this weekend, highlighting ongoing international concerns over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the plight of Palestinians seeking refuge amidst the conflict.

and finally, BrewDog Founder James Watt Steps Down as CEO Amid Controversy

James Watt, co-founder of the Scottish brewery and pub group BrewDog, has announced his decision to transition to the newly-created role of “captain and co-founder,” retaining his shares in the company. This move will see Chief Operating Officer James Arrow assume the position of CEO, marking a significant shift in leadership for the company.

Established in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, in 2007 by Watt and Martin Dickie, BrewDog has grown to encompass breweries and pubs worldwide, while maintaining its headquarters in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Reflecting on his tenure as CEO, Watt expressed gratitude for the journey of the past 17 years, acknowledging the highs and lows experienced during his time at the helm.

However, Watt’s leadership has been marred by controversy in recent years, with BrewDog facing criticism over its marketing campaigns and workplace culture. Former employees publicly accused the company of fostering a “culture of fear” and “toxic attitudes” towards junior staff in an open letter in 2021. Furthermore, BrewDog drew ire earlier this year for its decision to abandon its commitment to the real living wage in favour of the minimum wage for new hires.

The announcement of Watt’s departure has been met with celebration by members of Unite, the union representing workers across BrewDog. Bryan Simpson, lead organiser for the hospitality sector at Unite, criticized Watt for presiding over a culture of bullying and mistreatment within the company. Simpson emphasized the need for BrewDog to address the concerns raised by workers and urged the company to prioritize improving pay and conditions in collaboration with the union.

As BrewDog undergoes this transition in leadership, it faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and addressing longstanding issues to foster a more positive and inclusive workplace environment for its employees.

Pension image:
Image by Frantisek Krejci from Pixabay
Brewdog
By https://www.facebook.com/brewdogofficial/?brand_redir=365381716870623, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69878398

Union News 11th of February 2024

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934 words, 5 minutes read time.

Welcome to Union News your guide to what is happening in the UK labour and trade union movement in the UK. Writing is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.

Shocking Survey: Majority of Women in Defence Sector Face Sexual Harassment at Work

A damning survey conducted by the Prospect union reveals that a majority of women in the UK’s defence sector, including those at the Ministry of Defence (MoD), have experienced sexual harassment at work. The survey exposes alarming statistics, with 61% of women at the MoD, 60% at related agencies or arms bodies, and 47% in the private sector reporting incidents of sexual harassment. Prospect members have shared distressing experiences, including rape, sexual assault, and unsolicited explicit content, with few repercussions for the offenders. The findings underscore the urgent need for a cultural shift and concrete actions to address sexual harassment within the defence sector.

Amazon Faces Growing Strike: Over 1,000 Workers to Walk Out in Coventry

The GMB union announces another wave of strike action against Amazon, with over 1,000 workers expected to walk out at the Coventry site over three days next week. The ongoing dispute, now entering its second year, revolves around workers’ demands for £15 hourly wages and union rights. This marks more than 30 days of industrial action by Amazon workers in Britain, demonstrating the increasing strength of the campaign. GMB senior organiser Amanda Gearing emphasizes that the time has come for Amazon to listen to its members and meet their demands for fair wages.

RMT Takes Action Against Network Rail’s £1.2 Billion Cuts Plan

RMT members stage a day of action to protest against Network Rail’s plans to slash £1.2 billion from maintenance, infrastructure, and renewals work over the next five years. Activists distribute leaflets at over 20 stations nationwide, warning of heightened safety risks if these proposed cuts are implemented. RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch asserts that the planned cuts jeopardize safety for rail workers and passengers, emphasizing the need for increased investment rather than reductions. The action is part of the Rail Cuts Cost Lives campaign, challenging the government’s decision to cut funds for rail renewals in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Co-op Shopworker Assaults Surge: Calls for Legislation to Protect Staff

Co-op Food warns of a 33% increase in assaults on shopworkers in a year, with more than 1,300 incidents reported. The food retailer urges Tory ministers to abandon their “long-held opposition” to legislation protecting staff in the sector. The report, compiled by criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor, details a 10-point plan to address the alarming rise in offences. Co-op Food Managing Director Matt Hood calls for MPs to pass an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, providing shopworkers the protection they deserve. The union, Usdaw, echoes the call for stronger legislation, which already exists in Scotland.

Firefighters Face Draconian Legislation

The Crime, Policing and Fire Minister, Chris Philp, announces statutory scabbing levels of 73% for firefighters during strikes. The government insists that this measure is necessary to maintain critical services and save lives during industrial action. Fire Brigades Union (FBU) General Secretary Matt Wrack condemns the move as an “outrageous and authoritarian plan” to ban strikes in the Fire and Rescue Service. The FBU vows to resist this legislation, and TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak reaffirms the commitment of the wider trade union movement to fight against these undemocratic and draconian laws.

and finally, Government Rebuffs Offer: Junior Doctors Declare Tenth Strike with Full Walkout

In a dramatic turn of events, junior doctors in England have announced the tenth round of strike action, marking a full walkout from 7 am on Saturday, February 24, to 11.59 pm on Wednesday, February 28. Despite ongoing talks showing signs of progress, the government failed to meet the crucial deadline of February 8 to present a credible offer.

In a bid to facilitate further negotiations, junior doctors extended an offer to the Health Secretary to cancel the impending strike if she agreed to extend the mandate for strike action by four weeks. Regrettably, this offer was declined, leaving junior doctors with no alternative but to declare this as the final strike under their existing mandate.

Effective from 6.59 am on Saturday, February 24, junior doctors are instructed not to attend any shifts, persisting with the strike for shifts starting and ending on Wednesday, February 28. It is important to note that shifts commencing on Wednesday, February 28, and concluding on Thursday, February 29, should be completed in full, including the start of the shift on Wednesday.

The resolute stance taken by junior doctors underscores their commitment to addressing key concerns and securing favorable terms in ongoing negotiations with the government. As the healthcare sector braces for the impact of this comprehensive strike, the ball remains in the government’s court to revisit negotiations and respond to the needs and demands of the dedicated junior medical professionals.

Thank You

Thank you, dedicated viewers of Union News, for tuning in and staying informed about the issues that matter most to workers and unions. In a world dominated by establishment media, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of fostering a counter-media that is unapologetically pro-worker and pro-union. By supporting platforms like Union News and buying newspapers like the Morning Star, we can collectively challenge the narrative perpetuated by reactionary media. Your engagement, whether through sharing, subscribing, or liking Union News on your preferred platform, plays a vital role in amplifying our message and building a stronger, more informed community.

Picture credit

Co-operative store
By Kolforn (Kolforn), CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82346850

Special Congress of the TUC Addresses Legal Restrictions on Trade Unions

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552 words, 3 minutes read time.

The historic Special Congress of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) commenced in early December, marking the first of its kind in over forty years. The central agenda of the congress revolved around the necessary response of trade unions to legal endeavours aimed at constraining their activities.

An essential legislative development was the enactment of the Strikes (Minimum Services) Act in July, with accompanying regulations coming into effect on 8 December. Notably, these regulations encompassed rail, border security, ambulance services, and forthcoming proposals pertaining to children’s education.

Expanding the coverage of sectors subject to the new law, fire and rescue services, nuclear installations, waste plants, as well as broader sectors of education and transport, were identified. It is estimated by the TUC that approximately 5.5 million workers, constituting one in five of the workforce, would be impacted by these regulations.

The concept of minimum service levels, which served as a basis for the new legislation, draws inspiration from common practices in Europe, particularly in countries such as France, Italy, and Spain, as outlined in a briefing paper from the House of Commons Library.

A significant concern raised pertains to the disregard of ballot results for strike actions, even when meeting stringent criteria. Employers retain the authority to issue notices identifying workers obligated to attend work to sustain an arbitrary level of service. Consequently, the ballot outcome is overridden, and the respective trade union may be compelled to instruct their members to disregard picket lines and report to work.

Notably, the Congress showcased remarkable unity, with representatives from nearly all affiliated unions vocalizing support for the proposals set forth by the General Council. An absence of proposed amendments further underscored this unity.

During the discussions, speakers highlighted instances of employers consistently disregarding safe staffing levels in crucial sectors like health and transport. Anecdotes included accounts from a Unison ambulance service convenor who detailed the emergency cover arrangements implemented during strikes. Notably, diligent coordination by union representatives in control rooms ensured the deployment of ambulances for those in need, resulting in no patient incidents on strike days.

In a unanimous decision, the Congress scheduled a rally for 12 noon on Saturday, 27 January 2024, in Cheltenham, the location of GCHQ. This choice holds significance as it was the site where, in 1984, Margaret Thatcher proscribed workers from union membership.

Furthermore, the TUC committed to orchestrating demonstrations and rallying support should a work notice be issued. Additionally, the organization plans to publicly call out and censure any employer resorting to the use of a work notice.

The context also highlighted the resilience and determination of workers across various sectors, including rail, NHS, schools, universities, and industry, in surpassing stringent ballot requirements imposed by earlier laws, explicitly designed to impede trade union actions.

“Acknowledging historical parallels, the newly enacted law adds to a lineage of anti-working class legislation, tracing back to the Industrial Relations Act of the 1970s and Labour’s In Place of Strife from the late 1960s. My view, in common with many others, is that this legislation cannot be effectively challenged through appeals to a hypothetical future Labour government, costly legal battles, or recourse to the EU or the ILO. The focal point should remain rooted in workplace organization, akin to strategies implemented to circumvent and oppose past laws.”
Pat Harrington, General Secretary of Solidarity union

Union News 30th of October 2023

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828 words, 4 minutes read time.

Welcome to Union News giving you reports from the trade union and labour movement in the UK. Reporting is by the Solidarity union news team and music is by Tim Bragg.

RMT Union Chief Warns of “Great Betrayal” as Ticket Office Closures Looms

Mick Lynch, the RMT union chief, has expressed concern about plans to close nearly every station ticket office in England. Travel Focus and London TravelWatch are set to present their viewpoints on this matter by October 31. Lynch highlighted that around 750,000 passengers responded to the consultation, with 98% opposing the closures. He urged watchdogs and ministers to heed passengers’ concerns and abandon job-cut plans for the sake of passenger advice, accessibility, and safety.

RMT Accuses Trainline App of Prioritizing Profit Over Affordable Train Fares

The RMT union has accused the Trainline ticketing app of prioritizing profit over offering the cheapest train fares for journeys. The app is expected to generate £200 million from British ticket sales this year and has expressed support for government plans to close ticket offices, which the union views as a profit-driven approach. RMT’s general secretary, Mick Lynch, criticizes private companies in the rail industry for profiting while the government advocates for ticket office closures. The union believes that a portion of Trainline’s revenue could be better used to properly fund the railways instead of supporting cost-cutting measures associated with ticket office closures. The Trainline app defends its approach, claiming that its search rankings are based on departure times, fastest journeys with minimal changes, and affordability. The app charges a 5% commission on ticket sales, and its CEO’s remuneration increased nearly 9% in 2023. A Trainline spokesman asserts that the app balances price and convenience when suggesting journeys to customers, and all retailers receive the same flat commission rate for online ticket sales within the industry.

Firefighter Leaders Demand Restoration of Fire Service Funding to 2010 Levels

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is urging the government to restore fire and rescue service funding to 2010 levels in order to better address increasing floods and disasters. The FBU, affiliated with the Labour Party, calls for a reversal of 13 years of Tory austerity, which has led to the closure of fire stations, reduction in appliances, and a 20% cut in firefighter jobs. The FBU recently reported a situation in which delayed response due to cost-cutting measures resulted in the loss of homes. The FBU is set to launch a firefighters’ manifesto outlining their vision for the future of fire and rescue services. General Secretary Matt Wrack stressed the need for Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to restore funding to prevent communities from being “failed by another generation of politicians.” Wrack also emphasized the importance of addressing the damage caused by austerity and the urgent need to improve response times and firefighter resources. He called for funding restoration to be a priority in Labour’s first term in office, as signalled by recent by-election results.

Second Cost of Living Payment 2023/24

The government is helping a little with the cost of living for 2023/24. The Cost of Living payment is £900 paid in three instalments across the year:
First payment of £301 was paid during Spring 2023
Second instalment of £300 will be paid during Autumn 2023
Third instalment of £299 will be paid by Spring 2024
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced the dates for the second instalment of £300. This amount will be paid to households entitled to certain benefits during qualifying periods.

Most qualified people will be paid between 31 October and 19 November 2023. Payments will be made automatically.

and finally, UK Government’s Plan for Minimum Service Levels in Schools Sparks Union Criticism

The UK government is poised to implement minimum service levels (MSLs) in schools and colleges, a move criticized by education unions as an attack on the democratic freedoms of school leaders and teachers. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has invited union leaders to discuss the MSL proposals voluntarily, but she has made it clear that the government will utilize powers granted through the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act if no voluntary agreement is reached. This would trigger a consultation involving various MSL models for education, allowing input from parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.

Pat Harrington, General Secretary of Solidarity union, voiced his concerns, saying, “The introduction of Minimum Service Levels is a worrying development that threatens the fundamental right to strike. It is essential that democratic freedoms are upheld in any regulations governing MSLs. The government must prioritize constructive dialogue and engagement with unions to address the root causes of industrial action.”

The proposed measures have drawn strong opposition from education unions, who argue that MSLs infringe on the right to strike. The government’s history of dealing with issues related to education, such as pay, workload, and recruitment and retention, has raised concerns among unions. The unions contend that a focus on improving working conditions and addressing longstanding issues in education is crucial.

New Anti-Strike Legislation: A Direct Attack on Workers’ Rights and Democracy

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The government’s new anti-strike legislation, which aims to enforce “minimum service levels” in key public sectors including the NHS and schools, has met with fierce opposition from unions and criticism from experts.

The proposed Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill is being seen as a direct attack on workers’ fundamental human rights and an affront to parliamentary democracy. The Bill will apply to strikes in six essential sectors: health services, fire and rescue services, education services, transport services, nuclear decommissioning, and border security. These are the same six services identified in the previous Trade Union Act 2016, which already imposed strict requirements for strike mandates to have the support of at least 40% of those eligible to vote as well as a majority of those voting.

The Bill goes even further, however, by removing the requirement for minimum service levels (MSLs) to be negotiated by agreement between trade unions and employers, and instead gives complete discretion to the Secretary of State, Grant Shapps, to set the MSLs in each of the six services. This means that the MSLs can be set at such a high level that any strike will be rendered largely ineffective.

Furthermore, the Bill is a worrying symptom of how the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has become not only the friend of employers but also an instrument of the coercive state. Despite the government’s claims of respecting the right to strike, the Bill effectively renders the right to strike to be nothing more than a right to make a meaningless protest. The Bill also includes disproportionate sanctions to ensure obedience to the will of the state, further undermining workers’ rights.

Under the new law, bosses in health, education, fire, ambulance, rail and nuclear commissioning will be able to sue unions and sack employees if minimum levels are not met. Union members who refuse to work under the minimum service requirement could lose their jobs. The new law will also back employers bringing an injunction to prevent strikes or seeking damages afterwards if they go ahead.

This Bill is a dangerous and undemocratic attempt to silence workers and deny them their basic human rights. It must be opposed by all those who value democracy and workers’ rights. Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, has pledged to repeal the anti-trade union legislation if Labour forms the next government.