John Baron MP raises strike action ballots in House of Commons

20th December 2012
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MP says more than 50% of membership should approve strike action

 

Today, during Business Questions in the House of Commons, John Baron MP asked the Government about making it a requirement that more than half of the eligible membership must approve strike action for it to take place. At the moment, strikes are approved if half of returned ballot papers are in favour of a strike, even if a majority of the eligible electorate failed to turn out. This means some strikes go ahead despite little support.

In the House of Commons, John asked,

“Given there are planned Tube strikes over the Christmas period, I suggest it is not right that a minority of employees within public services can hold employers and the public to ransom. Will the Government revisit the issue?”

In her response, the Minister for Employment Relations, Jo Swinson MP, restated the Government had no plans to change the law, and said the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Essex had been returned without a majority of Essex voters turning out.

John said afterwards,

“Strikes are always regrettable, but some, especially in schools and public transport, can make life a misery for people who have nothing to do with the dispute. Requiring half of eligible voters to approve a strike is fair.”

“The Liberal Minister missed the point in mentioning the recent PCC election. The difference being that if the Commissioner is not in the office one day, it will not affect people going about their ordinary business.”

Ends

Word Count: 262

Date: 20th December 2012

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