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<\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nTougher rules for some workers planning strike action have been announced by the government.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It said the move will ensure key services like the NHS are protected, but unions are expected to take legal action.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Under the proposals some trade union members would be required to continue working during a strike.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This would be to ensure a “minimum level of service”. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The sectors covered by the plans are:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The government said it would consult on the minimum level of staffing for the fire and ambulance services, as well as the railways.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It said it expects to be able to reach voluntary agreements about workers in other affected roles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The government said it intends to introduce the measures in the coming weeks. However, they will still need to be agreed by MPs and Lords before becoming law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Business Secretary Grant Shapps said the move would protect the public from disproportionate disruption caused by strikes. Unions, however, said it would do nothing to resolve current disputes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said any such laws brought in by the current government would be abolished if it won the next election.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A few professions are already not allowed to strike.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Nurses have an agreement that they should only walk out if it does not risk the wellbeing of patients.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “As long as the industrial action is lawful, non-union members are allowed to go on strike and remain protected from dismissal,” she says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The law says a strike can only happen if a majority of union members agree via an organised vote – known as a ballot.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n There are strict rules<\/a> around holding a vote. For example, it must be a postal ballot – where members vote on paper and return it in a prepaid envelope.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If workers agree to strike, details must be given to the employer at least 14 days before it begins (unless the union and employer agree to seven days).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If the rules aren’t followed, a court could prevent a strike taking place. In 2010, for example, BA won a High Court injunction<\/a> to stop strikes by cabin staff.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n UK employees are protected from being sacked during the first 12 weeks of any official industrial action.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If a worker is sacked during this period, they can claim unfair dismissal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The government has introduced a new law allowing businesses to use agency workers to fill in for striking workers. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Trade unions are organisations which help workers negotiate with employers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n They often help employees ask for more pay, or better working conditions. Unions also represent members who have problems at work, or who are facing a disciplinary procedure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If negotiations with employers don’t work, a trade union’s members might decide to take action such as a strike.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Unions exist across many industries, including firefighting, teaching and transport. Members normally pay a monthly subscription and can leave at any point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n After peaking at 13.2 million in 1979, union membership has fallen significantly – although the rate of decline has slowed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n In 2021, 50% of public sector workers – including people like teachers and health workers – were in a union, compared with 13% of private sector employees. Employees over 50 are most likely to be members.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Workers on strike can expect to lose wages for the time they do not work. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n No-one can be forced to take part in a strike – so a worker can still choose to work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Picket lines are common sights during strikes<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n The Labour Party was created from the trade union movement in 1900 and still retains close links. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n There are currently 12 trade unions<\/a> affiliated to the party, including two of the largest – Unison and Unite.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Labour relies on the unions for funding. During the last general election campaign Labour received a total of \u00a35.4m <\/a>– of which \u00a35m came from trade union donations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow could strike rules change?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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Is anyone allowed to strike at present?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
What are the current rules for calling a strike?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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Can strikers be sacked or replaced at present?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
What is a trade union?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How many people are in trade unions? <\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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Are strikers paid and can they still choose to work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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How are trade unions linked to the Labour Party?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n