Public Sector Strikes: Union Support

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Carrington of Fulham

Wednesday 11th February 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Carrington of Fulham]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures they are proposing to ensure that public sector strikes have the full support of union members.

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Con)]

My Lords, public sector strikes undoubtedly have a very considerable impact on the public at large and the economy but, between now and Dissolution, the Government will not be bringing forward any further proposals.

[Lord Carrington of Fulham (Con)]

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that public sector trade union bosses should not be able to hold working people to ransom over industrial disputes that have nothing to do with them? Should not public sector trade unions be required to demonstrate a balloted majority of more than 50% of their membership before being able to call a strike?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, we are very much committed to ensuring that people have the right to strike but it is important that this is balanced, so that everyone else’s right to get on with their daily lives is understood as well. The concept of thresholds is very interesting. There are certain public sector strikes where 11% of the membership have caused a strike, with very considerable inconvenience to the public.