Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill published

[CyrusWuff]

The text of the new "Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill" which Grant Shapps introduced today has now been published.

It's broadly the same as the previous Transport-specific bill, but extended to cover health services; fire and rescue services; education services; transport services; decommissioning of nuclear installations and management of radioactive waste and spent fuel; and border security.

 

[Thirteen]

Seems daft to introduce a bill for MSL for health workers considering they already have MSL.

 

[Snow1964]

Seems Rail Minister is to give update tomorrow (24th May) on the Strikes Minimum Services level Bill to Parliamentary committee

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill was introduced into Parliament in January 2023 and the Committee launched its inquiry in February. If passed, the Bill would allow the Secretary of State to make regulations setting out minimum service requirements during strikes across a range of sectors, including transport. Unions and workers would have to comply or face losing protection against being sued or dismissed while striking.

In the first panel of witnesses, MPs will question representatives from Network Rail and the Office of Rail and Road. The cross-party Committee will focus on how a minimum service level might be set, what steps may be necessary to deliver it safely, and what the witnesses understand their organisations’ role to be in the process.

MPs will hear from the Rail Minister and a senior DfT official in the second panel. Questions will cover how minimum service levels might work in practice, what passengers should expect of a minimum service level and next steps in the process now the DfT’s consultation has closed.

Witnesses

Wednesday 24th, Grimond Room, Palace of Westminster

from 9.30am:

• Jake Kelly, Group Director for System Operator at Network Rail
• John Larkinson, Chief Executive at Office of Rail and Road

from 10am:

• Huw Merriman MP, Minister of State at Department for Transport
• Ben Smith, Director of Industrial Action at Department for Transport

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/153/transport-committee/news/195389/committee-to-hear-from-rail-minister-and-network-rail-on-strikes-bill/

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

This needs to be viewed in perspective with all the other parts affected, as it is not just a transport-related bill. The posting above refers to the Rail Minister, so will other affected Ministers also give updates on areas under their remit that will be so affected?

 

[JamesT]

Seems daft to introduce a bill for MSL for health workers considering they already have MSL.

Do they? I’m fairly sure that coverage of strikes by NHS workers has mentioned the unions negotiating what cover they will provide for emergencies etc. If there was a MSL already then it wouldn’t need agreement.

 

[Stephen42]

Do they? I’m fairly sure that coverage of strikes by NHS workers has mentioned the unions negotiating what cover they will provide for emergencies etc. If there was a MSL already then it wouldn’t need agreement.

Sort of, the current trade union legislation does not provide protection for employees taking industrial action in the knowledge or belief that human life will be endangered or serious bodily injury caused. The 'life and limb' cover for industrial action typically means that NHS staffing at least matches what would be provided on Christmas day for those already in hospital or to cover non-elective procedures (sometimes on call depending on size). This will normally be agreed in advance as there isn't a precise definition for the terms meant in the legislation as it's useful for providers to know what level of staff they will have and for staff as they cannot believe life will be endangered if there employer says the minimum will be sufficient.

I'd expect that any minimum services level would raise what the minimum expected level is for healthcare along with other sectors that may be covered by the existing legislation.