Agenda and minutes

Report of the Group Director of Operations

Report of the Chief Officers Executive

Report of the Chief Officers Executive

Opposing Minimum Service Levels

That this Council:

(a) notes:

(i) the right to strike is a fundamental British freedom which is protected by international law; this can be seen in the Human Rights Act, Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the International Labour Organisation’s Convention 87 and Article 6(4) of the European Social Charter;

(ii) the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 sets out that when employees in relevant sectors democratically vote to strike they can be required to work by use of a “work notice” and sacked if they don’t comply; and

(iii) the Joint Committee on Human Rights has expressed concern that this legislation is not compatible with the UK’s commitments to human rights for workers and trade union members;

(b) believes:

(i) the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 is a direct attack on the right to strike, a fundamental freedom;

(ii)  the Act undermines constructive industrial relations and is likely to inflame and prolong disputes;

(iii) the regime initiated by the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, including the provision allowing employers to issue a “work notice” is draconian, unnecessary and unworkable; 

(iv) the issuing of a “work notice” by an employer compelling named workers to attend work under threat of dismissal with no recourse to the courts is a denial of justice; and

(v) that this Act is a direct attack on the freedoms of the ordinary, hardworking residents of our borough; 

(c) resolves:

(i) to not issue a “work notice” - because, if issued a “work notice”, would deny its staff the opportunity to exercise a fundamental human right, the right to go on strike, the Council is an upholder of human rights for residents and workers in the borough; and

(ii) to work with unions in the borough/district/city, especially those in the school and college sector, municipal transport and fire and rescue services to oppose this legislation;