NASUWT - The Teachers’ Union has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to honour Labour’s manifesto pledge to repeal the 50% turnout threshold for industrial action ballots, warning that the Government is now introducing unnecessary obstacles that risk delaying the abolition of one of the UK’s most controversial anti-trade union laws.
Writing to the Prime Minister today, NASUWT General Secretary Matt Wrack congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment but raised serious concerns that the Government is seeking to tie the repeal of the threshold to a new monitoring and review process linked to the introduction of electronic balloting.
Mr Wrack said the Government’s approach contradicts Labour’s clear commitment to repeal the Trade Union Act 2016 and remove the turnout threshold within the first 100 days of office.
He said: “After 14 years of Conservative governments using the law to weaken trade unions, Labour promised a New Deal for Working People, and the repeal of the Trade Union Act 2016, including the 50% turnout threshold for industrial action ballots.
“For many in the trade union movement, these pledges were one of the strongest arguments for a Labour vote; the opportunity to actually repeal undemocratic and anti-worker laws. But now ministers are saying the Employment Rights Act is a barrier to removing the 50% threshold. It is not. The law allows the Secretary of State to act now. They can consider the expected impact of electronic balloting. There is no requirement for a pilot scheme or for completed data.
“It is shocking that the 50% Tory-imposed threshold remains in place. It was meant to be gone within 100 days under Labour. Instead it is still in place and unbelievably the Government is now building new obstacles to delay its abolition.
“No other democratic process in Britain requires a 50% turnout threshold - not elections for MPs, councillors or the Prime Minister. It is extraordinary that a Labour Government elected on a mandate to strengthen rights at work is now presiding over potential non‑compliance with ILO Convention 87 and the European Convention on Human Rights.
“This threshold suppresses the collective voice of women fighting for fair pay, safe conditions and dignity at work. It is discriminatory, it entrenches inequality, and it must be repealed immediately.
“Workers did not vote for delay. They voted for real change. The trade union movement helped deliver this Government its majority and it expects Labour’s promises to be honoured and not diluted or deferred. The 50% threshold must be repealed now with no excuses.”
NASUWT warns that keeping the threshold in place risks leaving the UK in continued breach of international labour standards. The International Labour Organisation’s Freedom of Association Committee has repeatedly stated that requiring over half of all eligible workers to vote before a strike can be declared is “excessive” and designed to hinder the right to strike, particularly in large workplaces. The Union has requested an urgent meeting with the new Prime Minister to discuss the issue.
