UK laws to blunt strikes begin journey through parliament

Ambulance workers take part in a strike, amid a dispute with the government over pay, outside NHS London Ambulance Service in London, Britain December 21, 2022. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls/Files

The British government introduced legislation to parliament on Tuesday which would require key public services to maintain minimum safety levels during strike action by workers.

Britain is experiencing a wave of industrial action as pay rises fail to keep up with double-digit inflation, which is now around 40-year highs. Nurses, ambulance staff and rail workers are among those who have staged walkouts.

Talks between government ministers and trade unions on Monday failed to produce a breakthrough to avert further planned strikes.

Rail workers that are members of the ASLEF union stand at a picket line outside Euston station while on strike, in London, Britain, January 5, 2023. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls/Files

The government has said it will consult on minimum safety levels to be set for fire, ambulance and rail services as part of the new law. Other sectors covered by the bill include health services, education, nuclear decommissioning and border security.

"The British people need to know that when they have a heart attack, a stroke or a serious injury, that an ambulance will turn up and that if they need hospital care, they have access to it," business minister Grant Shapps told parliament.

"I'm introducing a bill that will give government power to ensure the vital public services will have to maintain a basic function by delivering minimum safety levels ensuring that lives and livelihoods are not lost."

A person walks in front of blank departure screens at Euston station, as rail workers that are members of the ASLEF union go on strike, in London, Britain, January 5, 2023. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls/Files

Trade unions have reacted angrily to the plans, arguing evidence from other countries shows such legislation forces unions to use other tactics, prolonging disputes.

"This is an attack on human rights and civil liberties which we will oppose in the courts, parliament and the workplace," Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT rail union, said.

"This law could make effective strike action illegal, and workers may be sacked for exercising their right to withdraw their labour."

A worker stands at the door of a train at Euston station as rail workers continue a strike over pay and terms, in London, Britain, January 4, 2023. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls/Files

Trade union umbrella group the Trade Unions Congress described the bill as undemocratic and unworkable, calling on members of parliament to reject it.

The bill will not be debated on Tuesday and could take months to become law. The opposition Labour Party has said it would repeal the law if it comes to power in a national election expected next year.

FILE PHOTO: British Business Secretary Grant Shapps walks outside Downing Street in London, Britain December 6, 2022. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, Editing by William Schomberg and William James)