Unite has welcomed the government plans to strengthen elements of
its Employment Rights Bill ahead of the legislation's report
stage. The government has listened to Unite and other unions.
Workers are an important part of any growth strategy and the
government's acknowledgement of that has been essential.
The government has accepted Unite's concerns to ensure that
agency workers and those in precarious employment come fully
under the scope of the Bill, for example by ensuring agency
workers can receive a guaranteed hours' contract.
Unite has welcomed the proposals which strengthen the bill
including in the areas of recognition rights, industrial action,
e-balloting and workplace ballots and the statutory creation of
equality reps.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite
has been ensuring that the workers' voice is heard every step of
the way so that a fairer environment for workers is created. In
many areas the government had listened and acted.
“For decades workers' rights have been pushed down
the agenda. This is the first time in a generation that workers'
rights have been taken seriously.”
Despite the positive strengthening of the Bill there are areas
where Unite believes the government can and should have gone
further. This includes not taking further action to ensure an
outright ban on fire and rehire and the lack of stronger measures
to ensure unions have a right of access to workplaces to organise
workers.
Sharon Graham added: “The government will come to
realise that not introducing an outright ban on fire and rehire
is a mistake. The new rules will continue to allow the most
unscrupulous firms to use this disgraceful practice. Fire and
rehire should be banned outright - no ifs or buts.
“Unions are an integral part of ensuring
more money goes into workers' pockets. This in turn boosts
economic growth. It is vital that unions are able to represent
all workers who want to be in a union. Access is an important
first step. “
Unite believes that the Bill can further be strengthened by
amendments at Report Stage which takes place on 11 - 12 March or
when the Bill makes its progress through the House of Lords.
