Tories launch unprecedented attack on working people

The Government has launched an unprecedented attack on working people with new legislation designed to undermine the right to strike and force workers to work against their will – and face the sack if they refuse. Their aim is simple: to crush trade unions who are fighting back against low wages and poor conditions.

The Tories yesterday confirmed plans for new anti-strike legislation to enforce “minimum service levels” in six key public services including the NHS, transport and schools in "the coming weeks".

Minimum levels of service are to be set for fire, ambulance and rail services, with the Government consulting on levels amid concerns that any disruption to blue light services puts lives at risk.

But the Government has said it will also reserve the power to impose levels on NHS, schools and nuclear decommissioning if voluntary agreements are not reached. Union members who refuse to work to meet minimum service levels could lose their jobs.

So we now find ourselves in the appalling situation whereby Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - the richest man in Parliament – has refused our calls to legislate for a  Right To Food, but is happy to legislate to ban strikes by workers who are forced to use foodbanks because of his political decisions. The Tories really are not fit to govern.

It is vital to remember that:

• 14% of nurses are using foodbanks

• 1 in 3 nurses have difficulty covering the cost of food and heating their homes

• Nurses' real pay has declined by £5,000 since 2010

• 1 in 9 nurses left the NHS in 2021 alone

And we must also never let it be overlooked that without industrial action none of us would have access to:

• Annual leave

• Sick pay

• A minimum wage

• A two-day weekend

• Maternity leave

• 8-hour working days

• Redundancy pay

The entire Labour and trade union movement must defend the right to strike with everything we have. #HungerIsAPoliticalChoice #EnoughIsEnough