The UK government's drive to restrict trade unions will deprive workers of their basic rights hard won over the past 100 years, says Isles SNP MP Angus MacNeil.
Mr MacNeil voted against the Trade Union Bill in Parliament last week along with his colleagues in the SNP Westminster Group but the bill was passed through this stage by 317 votes, a majority of 33.
He said: “This action, designed by the Conservative Government, seeks to deprive workers of their basic rights which were hard won over the past 100 years.
“Trade unions are key social partners playing an important role in sustaining effective democracy in society, particularly in the workplace, and the existence of good employment practices is a key contributor to economic competitiveness and social justice.”
Mr MacNeil argued in the formal debate that the introduction of a trade union bill was not wanted or needed in Scotland and would be an ‘alien law that will create difficulties rather than help.’
He said: “Ninety nine per cent of the time the Conservatives go on about regulation and red tape in business and the workplace but what are they trying to do now but introduce regulation and red tape unseen in Germany, Norway or other major economies of
Europe?”
The SNP Westminster group also oppose restrictions on unions using social media. They support the usage of safe and secure online voting to maximise participation as well as changes to regulations regarding agency workers.
MP slams plans to curtail trade unions
24 September 2015