TUC welcomes government concession of an independent review for electronic voting in strike ballots

Commenting on today’s (Wednesday) announcement by the government that it is to hold an independent review within six months that will report to Parliament about whether to allow electronic voting in strike ballots, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“We are pleased ministers have listened to reason and committed to holding a review of electronic voting for strike ballots. 

“However, if online balloting is secure enough for the Conservatives to use to select their candidate for London Mayor, there can be no excuse for delaying its introduction for union members.

“It must be a case of when – and not if – trade unions are allowed to use modern balloting methods. We will continue to make this case forcibly.”

On the concession that ministers will delay imposing a cap on facility time in the public sector, Frances O’Grady said:

“We are also pleased that ministers have backed away from imposing a cap on union facility time, having originally planned to introduce this within six months of the Trade Union Bill becoming law.

“Paid time off for public sector union reps to represent their members is granted by employers because it is good for staff well-being, improves communication and stops problems escalating into disputes.

“We welcome the range of concessions that the government has offered, but continue to oppose the Trade Union Bill in its entirety.”

Today’s announcements are the latest in a line of concessions by the government on the Trade Union Bill.

The government last week backed away from plans to ban workers from opting to pay their union subscriptions through payroll in the public sector – the so-called ‘check-off’ system. And today they accepted a House of Lords compromise to delay controversial changes to union political funds.

NOTES TO EDITORS: 
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