Caerphilly council condemns the trade union bill

UNISON general secretary congratulates council on opposition to bill that ‘rips up good employment relations’

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis has congratulated Caerphilly County Borough Council in passing a motion to oppose the UK government’s Trade Union Bill, at a special council meeting this evening (Tuesday 29 September).

The motion states that the Trade Union Bill is socially divisive and will lead to more confrontational relationships between employers and employees. The council will now write to the Conservative government urging it to abandon the Bill and work in partnership with the trade union movement to achieve a fairer society.

General secretary Dave Prentis said,

“UNISON commends the Labour Caerphilly councillors in passing this motion. The Council becomes the first of we hope many local authorities in Wales to tell Ministers there is no appetite for this Bill because it rips up good employment relations that currently exist. People are starting to realise that the Tories are out to attack the civil rights of working people. UNISON will continue to lobby elected representatives with a clear message. Let’s work together for a better future: drop the Trade Union Bill.”

UNISON Caerphilly Council Branch Secretary Gary Enright said,

“The Trade Union Bill is so destructive and unnecessary. It will curb democratic rights and suppress our civil liberties. I’m really proud that Caerphilly Labour’s Council has taken this decision today to help protect the voice of ordinary working people in the political system. Well done Caerphilly. Now we want other Councils across Wales to do the same.”

ENDS

Notes for editors

The wording of the Caerphilly County Borough Council Motion: Trade Union Bill 2015 passed today, is as follows: –

We the undersigned ask that this Council opposes the introduction of the Trade Union Bill 2015. We ask this Council write to urge the Conservative Government to abandon this Bill and make a commitment to work in partnership with the Trade Union movement to achieve a fairer society.

We believe this bill is driven by Conservative ideology and is an outdated response to the challenges of the 21st century.

This bill is counterproductive, vindictive, socially divisive, and lead to more confrontational relationships between employers and employees, and ultimately undermine rather than support public services. It is also our view that this Bill is an attack on democracy.

Contact:

Gary Enright, Branch Secretary Caerphilly UNISON on 07508549183

Alastair Gittins, UNISON Press Officer on 07816 538397