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Wage inequality grows as union rights are restricted
13
July 2011
It may come as no surprise
to those within the trade union movement that since trade
union rights have been progressively restricted, inequality
has risen significantly.
A recent report from the
TUC has highlighted that as a share of the national wealth,
wages have fallen sharply and there has been a steady growth
in 'bad jobs' characterised by insecurity and poor wages,
while the richest have seen their earnings increase.
It is abundantly clear
that the balance of power between the employee and the employer
is weighted towards the interests of the employer. The right
to act collectively at work goes some way to recasting this
imbalance. However, if unions are tied down in restrictive
legislation, their ability to effectively defend the interests
of their members is hugely impeded.
The growth in job insecurity
and poor pay and conditions has mirrored the introduction
of anti-union legislation. UK laws governing trade union rights
are already the most restrictive in Europe and any further
restrictions will only act to drive the gap in inequality
wider still.
The Government has already
opened up the employment law books for 'consultation' from
the business lobby and has indicated its intention to hack
away at hard won employment rights such as laws against unfair
dismissal.
Trade unions are the first
line of defence in protection of rights at work. With the
business lobby straining on the leash, it is no wonder threats
of further anti-union legislation have already begun to circulate.
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