Post by thomas on Nov 8, 2023 16:30:03 GMT
Scottish ministers say they will refuse to co-operate with UK government legislation designed to ensure minimum levels of service during strikes.
Holyrood cabinet secretary Neil Gray condemned the "appalling" plan ahead of the King's Speech at Westminster.
Holyrood cabinet secretary Neil Gray condemned the "appalling" plan ahead of the King's Speech at Westminster.
The legislation aims to ensure about 40% of rail services will run during strikes. This would apply in Scotland.
Mr Gray, cabinet secretary for wellbeing economy, fair work and energy, said: “Ministers strongly oppose any Act that undermines legitimate trade union activity and does not respect fair work principles.
“This is another appalling piece of anti-trade union, anti-worker legislation from Westminster that will harm, not improve industrial relations.”
He called for a “progressive approach” to relations with trade unions, with improved protections for workers.
Mr Gray added: “The UK government’s introduction of the Minimum Service Levels Act is in direct contradiction to that, ignores the devolution settlement and fails to recognise the authority of the Scottish government in devolved areas”.
“So we will continue to do all we can to oppose this legislation and will not co-operate with establishing any minimum service orders here.”
“This is another appalling piece of anti-trade union, anti-worker legislation from Westminster that will harm, not improve industrial relations.”
He called for a “progressive approach” to relations with trade unions, with improved protections for workers.
Mr Gray added: “The UK government’s introduction of the Minimum Service Levels Act is in direct contradiction to that, ignores the devolution settlement and fails to recognise the authority of the Scottish government in devolved areas”.
“So we will continue to do all we can to oppose this legislation and will not co-operate with establishing any minimum service orders here.”
