The government today announced new laws to enforce ‘minimum service levels’ when industrial action takes place in the health service along with the rail, education, fire and border security sectors.
It will only impose minimum service levels if attempts to reach voluntary agreements with unions fail.
The CSP said the proposals were counter-productive, reiterating that the way to avoid strikes is to work in partnership with unions to achieve fair pay and conditions.
CSP director Claire Sullivan said: ‘Imposing new anti-strike legislation in a country which already has some of the most onerous strike laws in Europe is unnecessary, weak and unworkable.
The government is well aware that the proposed 'voluntary agreements' in the NHS are already in place due to health workers’ commitment to providing ‘critical to life’ cover.
'The way for the government to avoid current and future workplace disputes is through ongoing, meaningful dialogue and by working in partnership with trade unions.
'The CSP and other health unions have been warning of the developing NHS crisis for a decade and calling for urgent pay talks for several months, only to be met repeatedly by a complete block from government.'
TUC: Attacking the right to strike does nothing to resolve current disputes
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy: Government invites unions to return to the table and call off strikes
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