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TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady, commented after yesterday’s (Monday) second reading debate on the Trade Union Bill in the House of Lords.

“The debate has exposed once again how ill-thought through and partisan the government’s Trade Union Bill is.

“Widespread concerns were raised across the House about the threat this Bill poses to good industrial relations and fair treatment at work.  It is essential that ministers listen before lasting damage is done.

“Forcing public sector employers to abandon locally-agreed arrangements that have worked well for years will strain working relationships, at a time when local government is already under huge pressure.

“And politicising the role of the Certification Officer will serve only to embitter disputes.

“If the government’s true aim here is to boost participation in strike ballots, then it should stop dragging its feet and allow union members to vote in workplaces and online.

“Ministers should be engaging positively with workers and their representatives, not making their lives harder.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @The_TUC and follow the TUC press team @tucnews

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Alex Rossiter  T: 020 7467 1285  M: 07887 572130  E: arossiter@tuc.org.uk
Tim Nichols  T: 020 7467 1388  M: 07808 761844  E: tnichols@tuc.org.uk