Conservatives propose to introduce tougher anti-strike measures if re-elected in May 2015

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Conservatives proposes to introduce tougher anti-strike measures to make it harder for key public service workers to go on strike if they get elected in this year’s general election.

Under the fresh plans, which will also be a part of the Tory manifesto for May elections, workers in health, education, transport and fire services would not only require the support of at least 40 per cent of all their union colleagues entitled to take part in strike ballots to conduct an industrial action but also a majority of those who actually turn out to vote.

The prime aim to introduce such proposals is to minimise disruption caused by industrial action in future. The implementation of these plans would also prevent strikes going ahead on the basis of majorities in ballots in which only a small proportion of the unionised workforce has voted.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has revealed that the legislation would be passed in the opening year of the next parliament if Conservatives turn out as victorious in 2015 general election and would stop “politicised union leaders” from “holding the country to ransom” with the support of only few members.

Tory party’s plans to legislate to make it more difficult for unions to call strikes in key public services have been criticised for being “brutal” and “ill-conceived” by Liberal Democrat Business Secretary Vince Cable.

Mr Cable has said that the Conservative proposals were “entirely ideologically-led and a brutal attempt to strangle the basic rights of working people in this country” as a 40% threshold would be “odd”.

The Business secretary has warned: “There’s no doubt these ill-conceived Tory plans would have major implications for other democratic elections, from MEPs to police commissioners.

“If there is to be trade union reform it should be to allow electronic voting in ballots which would improve the turnout and legitimacy of polls.”

The unions have also condemned the fresh move as a “democratic outrage” which only intends to curb the rights of people serving through key public services.

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