Equalities watchdog is latest body to question anti-strike bill

Equalities watchdog the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has become the latest official body to question the legality of the proposed Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill.

In line with its statutory remit to advise Parliament on the equality and human rights implications of proposed laws, the EHRC prepared a briefing “to inform the committee stage debate in the House of Lords”.

This found that: “Having carefully considered the issues, we believe the bill raises several human rights considerations, specifically in relation to Article 4 (Prohibition of Slavery and Forced Labour), Article 11 (Freedom of Assembly and Association) and Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) that require careful scrutiny.”

The criticism follows similar opinions on the bill issued by the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) and civil liberties groups including Liberty, Human Rights Watch and Oxfam (see previous issues).

Responding to the report, TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “It is little wonder the EHRC has joined an ever-growing list of MPs, lords and rights groups in condemning this draconian legislation.

“The government is steamrolling through legislation that will give ministers sweeping new powers and could mean workers are sacked if they take action to win better pay and conditions.

“It’s time for ministers to protect the fundamental right to strike and drop this nasty bill.”