Campaigning to repeal the laws that restrict effective trade unionism
David Cameron has discussed making democratic ballots invalid where under fifty percent of members vote. This idea was originally mooted by London Mayor Boris Johnson.
Boris Johnson was elected following a vote of less than fifty percent of Londoners.
Click 'read more' to see the BBC report.
Assemble 12.30 hours, opposite the House of Commons
Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, writes ...
RMT Parliamentary Convenor John McDonnell MP has introduced a Bill to prevent employers blocking the democratic wishes of trade union members who have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. The union movement has called a mass lobby of Parliament in support of John’s Bill on Wednesday 13th October; we want to ensure that the RMT has a massive presence on the day. Please put this date in your diary now and make every effort to attend.
The Convenor of the RMT Parliamentary Group John McDonnell MP, has been drawn first in the Private Members' Bill Ballot of MPs and after consultation with the trade union movement, he is sponsoring the Lawful Industrial Action (Minor Errors) Bill. This will tackle the increasing employer practice of using minor technical errors in the balloting process - which have no material effect on the outcome - to take unions to court in order to prevent them from taking industrial action.
REPORTS THIS morning that the ConDem Government are planning to rig the anti-union laws even further in favour of the employers have been slammed as a "declaration of war" on the Trade Union Movement as the administration seeks to prevent workers from fighting back against attacks on jobs and working conditions and against public spending cuts.
Press release from John McDonnell MP ...John McDonnell, supported by the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group, presents his Private Members' Bill to parliament today which if adopted would significantly improve unions' ability to defend their members and would be the first step towards the full restoration of trade union rights.
After coming first in the Private Members' Ballot and in consultation with the trade union movement and leading trade union lawyers, John McDonnell MP is sponsoring the "Lawful Industrial Action (Minor Errors) Bill" to tackle the increasing practice by employers of using minor technical errors in the balloting process - which have no material effect on the outcome - to take unions to court in order to prevent them from taking industrial action.
Press release from John McDonnell MP ...
As one door closes another one open: John McDonnell tops the poll in the Private Members' Bill Ballot.
John McDonnell MP has been drawn first in the Private Members' Bill Ballot today and has opted for a Bill to tackle abuse of trade union ballots by employers.
John McDonnell said:
The RMT have released a video explaining their reasons and methods of attempting to get anti-union laws repealed. The union will present its case to the European Court of Human Rights. There are numerous examples of bosses using technicalities, such as calling engineers engineers or not informing members of eleven spoilt ballot papers, which have deemed a strike illegal in UK courts.
You can see more RMT videos at RMTv.
TRANSPORT UNION RMT announced today that it is launching an unprecedented challenge to the UK’s anti-trade union laws in the European Court of Human Rights.
Papers on behalf of RMT will be lodged with the European Court today by the union and its solicitors. RMT will argue on behalf of its members that its ability to organise industrial action to protect its members is restricted by UK law.
An interesting and informative discussion is to take place on thursday 27th may. Reps and activists could benefit by attending. It may provide interesting ideas on how to solve problems in their workplaces.
The Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers and the Institute for Employment Rights invite you to hear Lord Wedderburn QC and Jim Mortimer (former Labour Party General Secretary) in conversation with John Hendy QC
"The Law Versus the Trade Unions? Reflections on the Past and Strategies for the Future".