PM agrees to review of anti-strike legislation

The law could be changed to require strike backing from a majority of eligible voters.

Travel Insurance News - 13/01/2011

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UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said he is willing to look at tightening British anti-strike legislation. He made the announcement yesterday amidst reports that Unite and RMT leaders are planning new action against British Airways, oil depots and transport systems.

As recently as last weekend, it looked like Cameron would be happy to leave anti-strike laws unchanged. However, during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Cameron appeared to have altered his stance on the matter.

Responding to questions, Cameron said to MPs that he does not want to see strikes he termed ‘irresponsible’. He went on that such actions would be especially unwanted if they take place without the support of a majority of those taking part.

London mayor Boris Johnson, the Policy Exchange think tank, and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), have all urged the PM to change laws governing strike ballots. They want strikes to be legal only if a majority of those who are eligible to vote give their backing to the action.

At the moment, a strike ballot only requires a simple majority of those who take part in the vote via a postal ballot in order to be lawful. This means it is much easier to hold industrial action that is secure from claims for damages.

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