Motion on Anti-Trade Union Laws for Oct 12 2018 GM
12 Oct 2018 at 13:00 – 14:00, Room 4, Mill Lane Lecture Rooms
Free our unions
Cambridge UCU believes:
- That the anti-trade union laws – from the 2016 Trade Union Act to the numerous laws introduced by the Tories in the 1980s and 90s – mean unions are fighting the mounting challenges of low pay, precariousness and lack of rights with our arms tied behind our backs.
- That we need a big push to get these laws repealed and replaced with strong legal rights for workers and unions, including a strong right to strike.
- That the unanimous vote for such a policy at last year’s Labour Party conference was an excellent step, but Labour is yet to start talking about or campaigning actively for it.
Cambridge UCU notes and welcomes:
- The Labour Party’s renewed commitment at its 2018 national conference to abolishing anti-union laws.
- The recent comments by Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell advocating repeal of the anti-union laws. We need to provide support against resistance to this policy from right-wing MPs, the Tories, the press, etc.
The statement on these issues being circulated by a range of union organisations.
Cambridge UCU resolves:
- To sign the statement and stay in touch with the other signatories to coordinate.
- To circulate it as widely as possible to other branches and sections of the union, and to nearby branches, trades councils, etc, asking for support.
- To circulate it to members with an explanation of why it is so important.
- To organise a photo supporting repeal of the anti-union laws and the right to strike at an upcoming meeting.
- To invite a speaker from the campaign.
– motion carried