Received from: BFAWU
Merged into composite C04
Congress notes the Employment Rights Bill introduced by the new Labour government. We welcome any real improvements to workers’ rights and conditions, including the commitment to repeal some of the most recent Tory anti-union laws, such as the Minimum Service Levels Act 2023 and the undemocratic ballot thresholds introduced by the Trade Union Act 2016.
However, Congress believes the Bill prioritises individual rights over collective ones, leaving in place many anti-union laws that continue to limit workers’ ability to organise, take action and win improvements through collective strength – especially the continued ban on solidarity action.
There is also insufficient commitment to strengthening collective bargaining, which is vital to reversing the long-term decline in wages and conditions. The Bill further leaves dangerous loopholes around ‘fire and rehire’ practices and zero-hour contracts that employers will continue to exploit. Congress is concerned about delays in implementing even the limited reforms promised.
Congress therefore calls on the TUC to:
i. implement 2024 TUC policy by convening a special Congress to review and push for a strengthened Bill.
ii. draft a comprehensive workers’ rights package of amendments, including:
– immediate repeal of all anti-union laws
– a full ban on ‘fire and rehire’ and zero-hour contracts
– a £15/hour minimum wage with no age exemptions
– a statutory right to collective bargaining for all workers
iii. work with the Socialist Campaign Group, Independent Alliance and suspended Labour MPs to table these amendments.
iv. coordinate a national campaign, including opposition to austerity and industrial action if necessary.
Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union