Question
Untitled item
S6W-23457 · Written Question · lodged by Chapman, Maggie
Lodged on
29 Nov 2023Heard / answered on
20 Dec 2023To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its potential impact on the delivery
of emergency services, transport and health services in Scotland, what its
position is on whether the UK Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023
undermines (a) trade unions and (b) the fair work principle of effective worker
voice, and whether it plans to cooperate with this legislation.
of emergency services, transport and health services in Scotland, what its
position is on whether the UK Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023
undermines (a) trade unions and (b) the fair work principle of effective worker
voice, and whether it plans to cooperate with this legislation.
The answer
The Scottish Government remains strongly opposed to the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 and any associated secondary legislation which affects devolved services. This legislation seeks to undermine legitimate trade union activity and does not respect the Scottish Government’s Fair Work principles. We should be working with trade unions to reach fair and reasonable settlements respecting the legitimate interest of workers, not seeking to curb their right to strike.
Under the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act it is a matter for individual employers in the affected sectors to decide whether to issue work notices to trade unions specifying the workforce required to meet minimum service levels for a particular strike period. We have no intention of directing any employers within their control to issue work notices and will do all we can to oppose this appalling piece of anti-worker and anti-trade union legislation, which will undermine not enhance industrial relations.
Under the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act it is a matter for individual employers in the affected sectors to decide whether to issue work notices to trade unions specifying the workforce required to meet minimum service levels for a particular strike period. We have no intention of directing any employers within their control to issue work notices and will do all we can to oppose this appalling piece of anti-worker and anti-trade union legislation, which will undermine not enhance industrial relations.
Answered by Neil Gray on 20 Dec 2023.