Councillor Donald Crichton has called on the Comhairle to work with other local authorities
and Cosla to explore alternative arrangements that would protect trade unions and
employees from the "worst excesses" of the UK government's anti-
Deducting union subs automatically from public workers wages would stop under the Conservative's trade union bill.
Union members would have to make their own arrangements for payments.
The government would also be able to cap the amount
of money local authorities spend on giving trade union representatives paid time to undertake union duties during working hours.
Writing to Comhairle leader Angus Campbell, the Loch a Tuath councillor claims that
the legislation is draconian and would lead to union membership declining and workers
rights being less protected.
Councillor Crichton said: "The Comhairle has a good record
of working with the unions over the years and that should be maintained especially
in the financial climate we find ourselves in.
"Adopting the measures proposed in this legislation will undermine that relationship
and weaken trade unions and their ability to protect their members."
He concluded:
"I would hope that as an authority we can work with other local authorities and Cosla
to explore alternative arrangements that can maintain good industrial relations and
a working partnership with the unions and employees."
Councillor criticises "worst excesses" of proposed anti-
21 September 2015