Emergency resolution: Campaign to defeat the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill

On May 9 2023, the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill had its third reading in the House of Lords, it is important to note that while the Lords can propose amendments, the commons majority held by the Tories means that there is no guarantee that these amendments will be taken, and offers no realistic expectation that this Bill will not become law.

In contrast, Conference notes the comments made on April 17 2023, by Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf.

In his address to the Scottish Trade Union Congress, the First Minister stated that the Scottish Government would never issue work notices under the proposed Minimum Service Levels legislation.

Conference welcomes these comments.

The strategy of others in the trade union movement to see this Bill delayed appears not to be having the desired impact and therefore Conference re-affirms the call made by the Executive Council (EC) for the building of a mass movement of opposition and non-compliance with this undemocratic legislation.

Conference calls on the EC (working with other unions if possible) to convene a conference of trade union delegates with a view to building and developing the campaign to defeat this attack on workers and make this legislation unworkable.