| As the trade union bill has its second reading in the Lords in January, protest events will be held nationwide. To coincide with the second reading of the trade union bill in the House of Lords on 11 January 2016, the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG) is holding an after-work protest at 6pm in Old Palace Yard next to the Houses of Parliament. Speakers will include MPs and general secretaries from Napo, NUT, BFAWU and others. If passed, the bill would: •Introduce a 50% turnout requirement for strike ballots (requiring a 40% 'yes' vote for 'essential public services') •Place significant administrative and financial burdens on unions •Force picket line organisers to wear an armband •Lift the ban on the use of agency workers during strikes •Abolish check-off, the decades-old practice through which civil service unions deduct subscriptions from salaries •Cap facility time •Force members to opt in – rather than out – of a union's political fund. Kill the Bill Continue to campaign against the bill through the TUC campaign, sign a petition to support the right to strike and lobby a member of the House of Lords. Week of Action 8 – 14 February 2016 The TUC is organising a week of high-profile action against the bill, which will include nationwide events. In England and Wales: •A ‘big workplace meeting’ on Tuesday 9 February •A high-visibility community day of action on Thursday 11 February For more information visit the TUC ‘Heart Unions’ website. In Scotland the STUC has called a day on action on 22 February 2016. For more information visit the STUC Trade Union Bill website. |