Posted 23 May 2023 - 14:25
Posted 23 May 2023 - 14:25
News
MPs refuse to dilute anti-strike bill that could see nurses sacked
Attempts to water down controversial bill that could see nurses and other key workers face dismissal for striking are rejected in House of Commons votes
Attempts to water down controversial bill that could see nurses and other key workers face dismissal for striking are rejected in House of Commons votes
Efforts to dilute parts of a controversial law that could see nurses face the sack if they go on strike have been rejected by MPs.
A series of House of Lords amendments to the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill sought to protect nurses and other key workers from being dismissed for joining picket lines, but they were voted down in the House of Commons last night.
If made law, the bill – dubbed the ‘sacking nurses’ law by opponents – would allow ministers to impose statutory minimum levels of service during industrial action by nurses and other key workers. It would mean employees could face disciplinary action or even dismissal if they refuse to comply with a work notice while on the picket line.
Government warned of public outcry if it attempts to enforce the bill
During last night’s debate, Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner described the bill as ‘one of the most sinister attacks on working people I have seen. They have literally gone from clapping nurses to sacking nurses.’
Fellow Labour MP Ian Lavery said the concept was ‘absolutely crazy’ and warned that the government would face a public outcry should it attempt to enforce the bill.
‘There will be resistance in this country like we have never seen before, because these are basic human rights,’ he said.
Meanwhile, as MPs debated the amendments, members of the Trades Union Congress gathered in Parliament Square for an emergency protest and called on MPs to reject the bill and protect workers’ right to strike.
However, MPs voted 286 to 232 against an amendment that would have prevented staff from facing disciplinary action or dismissal for failing to comply with a work notice on strike days.
They also voted down amendments that would have seen the law apply to England only and require the government to consult on powers to allow the secretary of state to set minimum service levels.
Defending the bill, business minister Kevin Hollinrake said the legislation brought the UK into line with many other countries that have minimum service levels for emergency services.
Minister says intention is to balance ability to strike with rights and freedoms of the public
‘This bill was introduced with the intention of balancing the ability to strike with the rights and freedoms of the public, by applying minimum service levels on strike days to protect the lives and livelihoods of the public,’ he said.
The bill will now go back to the House of Lords for further consideration.
The RCN, which is currently balloting members in England on further strike action over pay, said it was disappointed with the latest developments after hundreds of nurses signed a petition against the bill at the College’s annual congress in Brighton.
An RCN spokesperson said: ‘We continue to oppose this bill, which seeks to curtail the freedoms that workers have to stand up for their rights.
‘The news that the Commons have rejected an amendment which would have prevented striking nursing staff facing dismissal is very disappointing. We call on the Lords to stand by the change they made.’
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