The WLGA welcomes the Welsh Government’s proposal to introduce an Assembly Bill which would reverse the effect of the UK Government’s Trade Union Act.

Last year the UK Government passed the Trade Union Act 2016 which will impose stringent new strike ballot thresholds in public services and will also monitor and restrict the activities of trade unions in supporting the workforce.

Cllr Peter Rees (Neath Port Talbot), WLGA Employment Spokesperson said:

“We have always maintained a good working relationship with our trades unions both locally and nationally which is borne out through the minimal industrial action in Welsh local government over the last decade. We respect the work of trades unions and the rights of their members and we want to continue to engage with them constructively to support and sustain local government services in Wales. As the employers body for local government in Wales, we therefore welcome the Welsh Government’s Bill which will see a number of hard fought for rights for trade union members restored.”

“Local authorities in Wales have always sought to engage in a positive manner with the trades unions to ensure the workforce is able to deliver the essential public services that are relied upon by thousands of people every day.”

The WLGA membership includes local authorities, the fire and rescue authorities and National Park authorities who would be affected by the Welsh Government’s Bill which would dis-apply parts of the Act that relate to these services.

ENDS