Council Body Condemns Union Plans

The body that represents Scottish councils has joined a major union in condemning the UK Government's proposed trade union bill.

COSLA and UNISON have called the Conservative government's plans 'an unjustified and unnecessary restriction'. The Conservatives at Westminster want to introduce a minimum 50% turnout for industrial action ballots, and to allow employers to replace striking workers with agency staff.

Downing Street say they want to strike a balance between union members and those affected by strike action.

Douglas Black, UNISON regional organiser for local government said: "UNISON welcome this agreement as a sensible first step to dealing with the Trade Union Bill. The statement reflects the different approach to industrial relations taken by Scottish public sector employers and it seeks to protect constructive industrial relations that have developed across public services under devolution.
 
"Trade unions and local authorities in Scotland have built stable and constructive industrial relations which have been both mutually challenging and mutually beneficial to both parties. Ultimately public services users are the winners. This agreement strengthens our resolve to continue to work together to build excellent public services which serve the needs of people in Scotland."