NDM8210 Plaid Cymru Debate - Industrial relations

NDM8210 Sian Gwenllian (Arfon)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Expresses solidarity with public sector workers throughout Wales who are undertaking industrial action in response to years of real-term cuts to their wages.

2. Believes that the ability of workers to undertake strike action to improve their pay and conditions is a fundamental democratic right.

3. Believes that the UK Government’s Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill is a full-frontal attack on working people and the trade unions they organise within.

4. Regrets that the Bill would give the UK Government significant coercive power to curtail trade unions' and workers' ability to engage in lawful industrial action.

5. Regrets that the Bill also conflicts with the aims of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement Bill, particularly the commitment of making Wales a fair work nation.

6. Supports all trade unions and public sector workers in their efforts to resist the Bill.

7. Calls on the Welsh Government to open discussions around the devolution of employment law to secure the collective rights and bargaining powers of workers in Wales.

Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Delete all and replace with:

Welcomes the action being taken by the UK Government to amend the legal framework governing industrial action to ensure that minimum service levels are set in key sectors during periods of strike action.

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Acknowledges and respects the strength of feeling demonstrated by trade union members through strike ballots and industrial action taken.

2. Believes that the UK Government’s Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill is an attack on trade unions and a workers' fundamental right to strike.

3. Regrets the complete lack of engagement by the UK Government on this legislation prior to its introduction and notes the position of the Welsh Government as set out in its Written Statement and Legislative Consent Memorandum.

4. Supports the Welsh Government, and all trade unions and public sector workers in their efforts to resist the Bill.

Written Statement: Welsh Government position on the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill

Legislative Consent: Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill