Clarification - Tory strike proposals

We have been asked to clarify a point on Tory strike ballot plans in last month’s issue (Working People in for a Tougher Time, Labour Research, June 2015, page 19).

As explained in the original article, the plans will make balloting thresholds far harder to meet, making legal strikes close to impossible.

Strikes not involving “essential public services” will need the backing of a majority in a lawful ballot, in which at least half the balloted workforce voted. However, the illustration in the original article “(25% +1 of those eligible to vote must vote in favour)” was misleading, since it only applies if turnout is exactly 50%.

Even higher thresholds are planned (at least 50% turnout and 40% voting in favour) for strikes in “essential services”.