The government has published the draft Trade Union Bill and various consultation documents for reforms to the strike balloting laws.
The main proposals are:-
• industrial action will require a 50% turnout
• 40% of all eligible voters must vote in favour of industrial action which affects important public services
• the ban on using agency staff to cover striking workers will be lifted
• there will be a 4 month limit on a strike mandate, after which another ballot is required (this won’t apply to ballots taking place before the Act comes into force, assuming it is passed)
• there will be more specific requirements for the wording of the ballot paper
• banning automatic opt-ins to political donations from trade union subscription fees
• the amount of notice of a strike to be given to an employer will be increased from 7 to 14 days.
The consultation closes on 9 September 2015
