AM Welcomes passing of Trade Union Bill

Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, has welcomed the passing of the Welsh Labour Governments Trade Union Bill.   The Legislation means that UK government rules aimed at destabilising the partnership between workers Trade Unions and their employers, will not apply in Welsh public services.
 
Rebecca Evans said: “This Bill is about protecting longstanding good relations in Welsh workplaces and stopping UK Government attempts to foster conflict in our vital public services.
 
“The UK Trade Union Act was unnecessary and leads to more confrontational relationships between employers and workers, undermining rather than supporting public services and the economy.
 
“Social partnership is founded on respect for the work of trades unions and the rights of their members. “
 
 Notes:
 
The Bill dis-applies certain sections of the UK Trade Union Act 2016 which, when they come into force, will inhibit established social partnership arrangements in public service workforce matters intruding on the delivery of Welsh public services.

The Bill reverses provisions for particular ballot thresholds in Welsh public services, ensuring fairness and balance in workplace relationships between employers and trade unions are maintained.

It will ensure the common practice of negotiated and agreed facility time between public service employers and recognised trade unions continues and removes related powers on facility time reporting requirements. In preserving partnership arrangements, the Bill also reverses conditions on the provision of check-off in Welsh public services.      

Through the Workforce Partnership Council, the Welsh Government has been engaged in continuous dialogue with social partners about the Bill’s proposals.