NEWS FROM WALES TUC
Date: Tuesday 26th January 2016
‘Stand up for devolution today’ - Wales TUC tells Assembly Members
The Wales TUC is calling on Assembly Members to use a vote today to stand up for devolution against a UK government which is ‘preparing to act unconstitutionally’.
Assembly Members will decide whether to give their consent for the UK Government’s controversial Trade Union Bill to be applied in Welsh public services.
The UK government says it will force the Bill on Wales whether the National Assembly agrees or not. But the Wales TUC has high level independent legal advice that this would be unconstitutional. On the morning of the debate they are providing a private detailed legal briefing for AMs by leading QC Hefin Rees.
Wales TUC want the Welsh government to urgently prepare its own legislation to ensure that workers’ rights removed by the UK Bill are immediately reinstated in Wales.
Wales TUC General Secretary Martin Mansfield said:
“This UK government is getting ready to smash holes through the constitution, ride roughshod over our democratic institutions and ignore the will of the Welsh people.
“Our challenge to Assembly Members of all parties is – whatever your view of the Bill itself, stand up for devolution and the rights of the Welsh people to democratically decide these matters for ourselves.
“Our challenge to the Welsh government is – bring forward draft Welsh legislation right now so you can immediately reinstate workers’ rights if the UK Bill is forced on us.
“Our challenge to the UK government is – withdraw this unnecessary, unfair and unconstitutional Bill, focus your efforts on working in partnership with unions to save vital industries like steel.”
NOTES:
Wales TUC contacts:
Alex Bevan T: 02920 347010 M: 07795844728 E: abevan@tuc.org.uk
Gareth Hathway T 02920 347010 M: 07833468487 E: ghathway@tuc.org.uk