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Controversial Trade Union Bill backed at Commons

The government’s attempts to tighten rules on British trade union strike ballots have passed their first Commons test, although not without staunch criticism from the Labour party.

MPs backed the controversial Trade Union Bill, which proposes a time limit on ballots so that mandates for industrial action are always recent, by 33 votes at second reading.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid deemed the bill necessary to stop “endless” threats of industrial action although Labour staunchly opposed, branding the bill as “draconian and counter-productive”.

Under current laws, the ongoing London Underground and First Great Western industrial action could carry on for years.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This is a One Nation Government acting in the interests of the whole country and these reforms will stop the ‘endless’ threat of strike action hanging over hardworking people.

“Trade unions play an important role and deserve our respect. But when working people’s lives are being disrupted by strike action, it is only fair that this happens as a result of a contemporary mandate that is supported by the majority of union members.”

Other measures in the Bill will ensure strikes only happen as a result of a clear, positive decision by those entitled to vote, meaning working people know they can get on with their lives without unjustified disruption.

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