Today, Wednesday 1st February, trade unionists across Scotland are holding protests about the Tory Government’s Bill to limit the strike action workers can take.
The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill has now passed through 3 stages in the UK House of Commons and has progressed to the Lords. The Bill passed its 3rd reading in the Commons with 315 Ayes (voting for the Bill) and 246 Noes ( voting against the Bill).
Those voting for the Bill to limit the rights of workers were 312 Tories and 2 Independents.
Voting against the Bill were:
- Labour 177
- Scottish National Party 39
- Liberal Democrat 13
- Independent 8
- Plaid Cymru 3
- Social Democratic and Labour Party 2
- Alba Party 1
- Alliance 1
- Conservative 1
- Green Party 1
Only the Tories in Scotland voted on this Bill to limit workers rights.
The rallies in Scotland are being organised by the STUC. Commenting on the proposed new strike legislation, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer stated:
“Rishi Sunak’s plans would be an attack on the United Kingdom’s democracy. The right to strike is a fundamental pillar of a healthy democracy and any assault on it must be opposed.
“Strikes are always a last resort for workers. With inflation at over 10%, many employers are refusing to give pay rises that keep up with the cost of living, leaving workers with no option but to strike for a better deal.
“Rishi Sunak should be focused on ending the cost of living crisis, not attacking workers that are doing all they can to improve their own living standards.”
Protect the right to strike Rally: Glasgow
Where: Glasgow Trades Hall, 85 Glassford Street, Glasgow
When: 1 February 2023
Time: 19.00-21.00
Scottish workers in the civil service, education, rail and Co-op Funeral Care will all be taking industrial action on 1 February. Joint strike rally at the Donald Dewar Steps, Buchanan Street, Glasgow at 12 noon.
Edinburgh Day of Action
- Rally at the Mound at 12pm particularly for the PCS DWP members who will be on strike that day;
- Indoor rally in the Southside Community Centre at 1.00pm/1.30pm.
- Rally in the Mound at 5.00pm
Dundee Day of Action
Rally 1pm, City Square, Dundee
Called by Dundee TUC as part of the UK-wide TUC/STUC Day of Action to defend the right to strike
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