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20
October 2010
Last Wednesday saw 100s
of workers converge on the House of Commons asking MPs to
back the LIAME Bill which would see their
democratic right to vote for strike action protected.
The day kicked off with
a demonstration outside and culminated in a rally where 15
speakers including 7 General Secretaries and 5 MPs addressed
the crowds gathered inside the House of Commons.
John Hendy QC highlighted
the legal context of the Bill and the ludicrous nature of
the current loopholes which allow for injunctions to be granted
to employers on minor technical errors even if the errors
would have no effect on the outcome of the ballot.
Tony Woodley General Secretary
of Unite spoke about Unite's ongoing dispute with BA and the
disgraceful act of employers once again dragging the union
into court over a meagre 15 spoilt ballot papers despite 12,000
members voting.
Frances O'Grady of the
TUC praised the work of the United Campaign and reiterated
the TUC's full backing of this Bill. She reminded the room
that no one ever takes the step towards strike action lightly
and that the right to strike is a hallmark of any free democratic
society.
Referring to the recent
report which shows that only 38 MPs would be able to take
up their seats under voting restrictions placed upon union
ballots, Frances O'Grady said "if a simple majority is
good enough to elect a government then it's good enough for
trade unions".
The rally was followed
by a lobby of MPs where many pledged to support the Bill on
Friday.
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