The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 now means that workers in health, education, fire, transport, border security and nuclear decommissioning who vote to strike could nevertheless be required to work, and sacked if they refuse to do so.
The PDA believes that exercising the right to strike when negotiations break down is a fundamental right. It’s not one that pharmacists would ever use lightly and, even then, it means trade unions navigating tough legal restrictions, including winning a ballot, which must be conducted by post, and must be won by high thresholds. It also means workers being prepared to lose pay for the days that they’re on strike.
But when employers won’t negotiate, exercising the right to strike can be the only way to bring them back to the table.
Paul Day, Director of the PDA said, “This week, public sector teachers accepted a pay settlement which was only increased after strike action. It shows that sometimes industrial action can be the way to help bring a dispute to an end.
It is extremely disappointing that despite huge opposition, this new law has been passed. Whilst taking industrial action is a last resort, it is a retrograde step that health professionals could now face the fear of dismissal should they exercise their fundamental right to strike if their employer says they require them to work that day.
The PDA believes that such legislation will worsen employer/employee relations in the UK.”
More information on the new law can be found here.
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