A Conservative MP has called for legislation that would require minimum service levels during strikes to be introduced in Northern Ireland. Robert Buckland, chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee stated that such legislation would help those who are in “dire need” to access services. Thousands of public service workers are due to strike on Thursday over pay. Unions have called this forthcoming strike the biggest ever in Northern Ireland.
In July of last year, the UK government introduced legislation in England, Wales and Scotland, known as the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, which made it a requirement for a “minimum service” to be provided during strikes in various sectors, including health, education, and transport. However, this legislation does not apply to Northern Ireland.
“My personal view is that minimum service levels guarantee that those in greatest need, whether it be through health emergency or other dire need, will get the service that they deserve,” said Robert Buckland. Trade unions have opposed the introduction of such legislation, calling it an “affront to democracy.” Carmel Gates, the general secretary of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance, stated that public services in Northern Ireland have been struggling lately and unions are taking action to defend them.
Unite’s deputy regional secretary, Davy Thompson, also opposed this legislation, saying that minimum service levels are “the most invidious example of knee jerk legislating this country has seen in a long time.” A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson has said that both trade union relations and labour relations are a devolved matter, making trade union strikes a question for local politicians to deal with.
Thursday’s planned strike is set to cause widespread disruption and impact hospitals, community care, and ambulances, with some services being completely halted
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More