Assembly opposes reduction in workers’ rights

The London Assembly is calling for the Mayor and the Chair of the Assembly to write to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to oppose any reduction in workers’ rights.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill 2022-23 was introduced by the Government in the House of Commons on 10 January 2023.

The London Assembly does not support the legislation and is urging the Mayor and the Chair to write, on behalf of Londoners, to the Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch to urge the Government not to pursue it.

Unmesh Desai AM, who proposed the motion said:

“The Government’s Strikes Bill is an attack on the rights of London’s workers and workers across the country. 

“I pay tribute to the nurses, paramedics, teachers, civil servants, transport workers, and post office staff, who have all walked out in dispute of working conditions.

“Public sector staff saw us through the pandemic and continue to be the lifeblood of London.

“I stand with all those forced to take industrial action.”

The full text of the motion is:

This Assembly does not support the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill 2022-23 which was introduced by the Government in the House of Commons on 10 January 2023. This Assembly agrees with the Mayor that this legislation “is not only an attack on a fundamental right – the right to withdraw your labour – but a full-frontal assault on working people”.

The Assembly calls on the Mayor of London and the Chair of the London Assembly to separately write, on behalf of Londoners, to The Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for Business and Trade to oppose any reduction in workers’ rights and urge the Government not to pursue this legislation.