The UK government has announced new legislation to impose “minimum service levels” in eight sectors including health services in a bid to tackle mass strikes across the country.
Unions representing workers in a range of sectors – from nurses and paramedics to train drivers – have gone on strike to protest real pay cuts as inflation rises.
Before the Minister Natal put forward the rules that will be implemented the minimum level of only one sector – railways.
But on Thursday, the government announced that this would be defeated by a new bill that could force certain staff ratios to work in different areas.
First, the government will introduce “minimum safety levels” for fire, ambulance and rail services after consultation, he said. It is less draconian than Canada, Australia and parts of the US, officials said. All of these places prohibit attacks by “blue light” services.
Secondly, for the other sectors covered by the bill – education, border security, nuclear decommissioning, other health services and other transport services – the ministers hope to reach a voluntary agreement on the minimum level of security.
But if a voluntary deal cannot be reached, the government will impose the new threshold unilaterally.
“The government has a duty to the public to ensure safety, protect access to essential public services and help them live their daily lives,” the government said. “The government will always protect the ability to strike, but this must be balanced with the people’s right to life and livelihood.”
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labor party, said he would reverse the legislation if he won the next general election.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said Britain already had some of the most restrictive anti-trafficking laws in the western world.
“The Tories are very clear about the criminalization and victimization of trade unions with the threatened attack on the right to strike,” he said.
Meanwhile, ministers called on union leaders for “honest, constructive talks”, urging them to “go back to the table and stop striking” after a wave of industrial unrest.
He said he wanted to meet union leaders to discuss what could be “fair and affordable” in public sector pay settlements for the 2023-2024 financial year.