Scottish government to ‘leave no stone unturned’ in attempt to block TUB

The Scottish government will “leave no stone unturned” in its attempt to block the UK government’s Trade Union Bill being applied in Scotland and said only devolving full powers over industrial relations will see an end to the “draconian” measures proposed in the bill.

That’s the stark message to be delivered in a parliamentary debate later today by Scotland’s Fair Work Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, who will call on all those opposed to the Trade Union Bill to do everything in their power to ensure the devolution of industrial relations.

The debate follows the publication of a report by the Devolution (Further Powers) Committee, which questioned the UK government’s view on competence and evidence to support the legislation’s proposed financial savings.

Describing the bill as “flawed”, the committee have echoed COSLA’s view that this legislation is an “unnecessary and unjustified imposition, which could ultimately lead to more industrial unrest across Scotland”.

The First Minister wrote to the Prime Minister last week to demand, at the very least, that all powers relating to industrial relations be devolved to Scottish ministers.

And similarly, the House of Lords raised their concerns, voting to ensure parts of the bill get further scrutiny from a select committee following vigorous opposition.

Ms Cunningham said: “I want to reassure each and every worker in Scotland that we will leave no stone unturned and no route unexplored as we seek to block this exceptionally damaging legislation being applied in Scotland.

“The recent Devolution committee report – prompted by a Scottish government policy memorandum – on Westminster’s Trade Union bill was scathing. This proposed legislation is a litany of errors, from its questionable purpose and competence to its lack of proper consultation, all intent on destroying the effectiveness of Trade Unions and Scotland’s good industrial relations.”

She added: “This bill’s provisions - such as on curbing facility time and the abolition of check-off - are draconian and will wreak havoc on the positive workplace relations that we are continuing to promote in Scotland, exemplified by a decline of 84 per cent in the days lost due to strike action in Scotland since 2007. Wider Scottish society has been clear that it has no interest in its clauses.”