Government changes the law – agency workers can now be used to break strikes

Responding to the government’s latest attack on the right to strike, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“Attacking trade unions to prop up the Prime Minister will not tackle soaring inflation. Profits not wages are driving price rises. Trying to sow division won’t solve the cost of living crisis and this political stunt should be treated with the disdain it deserves.

“In recent months, Unite has won £50 million in pay rises for tens of thousands of workers, supported by the biggest strike fund in the country and union reps totally focused on defending and improving jobs, pay and conditions.  We will not be deterred from this path in any way, shape or form - and absolutely not by a government that time and again sides with the bad bosses over workers trying to get a fair deal.

“We stand ready to defend our members against any and all attacks.”

Business minister Kwasi Kwarteng’s move today to change the law reversing a 40-year ban so that agency workers can now be used to replace striking workers. The move has been attacked as anti-worker, anti-union and likely to ruin industrial relations.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Shaun Noble on 020 3371 2060 or 07768 693940. Unite press office is on:  020 3371 2065.

Please note the numbers above are for journalists’ enquiries only.

Email: [email protected]

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Unite is the leading union in the UK and Ireland, dedicated to defending and improving members' jobs, pay and conditions. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.