Unions 'must not be special case'

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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TRADE unions cannot be treated as a "special case" at a time of cuts to frontline services, a Plymouth Tory MP has argued.

Oliver Colvile for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport suggested councils should take a decision each year over whether taxpayers' cash can continue to be used to fund union activities, under the "facility time" system.

Speaking at Westminster, he also said there was a need for changes to union subscriptions, so members actively chose to pay into rather than having to opt out of a political fund, which could be used to provide financial support for a particular party. The Conservatives point to Labour's heavy reliance on trade union donations.

Earlier this year, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles criticised the practice of trade union reps being funded from the public purse.

It was also revealed Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude was drawing up a policy document for the Government on reducing "facility time" for union officials, representing their members' interests in staff consultations and in any disputes with management, including discrimination claims and disciplinary actions.

But unions argue the arrangement makes business sense as it helps good industrial relations.

In a parliamentary debate into trade union funding, Mr Colvile insisted he was not proposing to get "...into trade union bashing" and recognised the important role they played in industrial relations.

He added: "It is important to recognise that in my city in my constituency, 38 per cent of people work in the public sector, so there is a great deal of interest in employment rights and how the trade unions work not only with the city council, but with a whole series of different organisations. They work with the health service, for instance, and with Babcock, which is a significant employer, in helping to ensure that our Navy continues to operate properly."

But Mr Colvile went on: "From my perspective, I find it difficult to go out on the doorsteps and explain to people that, at a time when we are making cuts to front-line public services and when the local authority is making sure that it empties the dustbins and that the potholes in the roads are filled in, the trade unions should end up being treated as a special case.

"I hope that the Government will ensure that there is significantly more transparency in how the trade unions operate.

"Perhaps the local authority should make a decision once a year about whether it wants to continue to make the facilities available."

Mr Colvile also pressed for reform of the "political fund" part of union contributions, where members "opt in rather than having to opt out".

Labour opponents argued union representatives improved workplace health and safety, helped negotiate pay deals and ultimately saved the state money.

[DGP1]

I don't like using them but it is appropriate :dcfo :ncfo :vcfo

[DirtyHarry]

Oliver Col the Vile. Another oxygen thief.
The world would be a better place without trash like him.

[labbloke]

Just proves the point that love them or loathe them, unions must be doing something right in the workplace if the tory scum are pulling out all the stops to neuter them

[Red Robbo]

I don't like using them but it is appropriate :dcfo :ncfo :vcfo

Don't like using who ???

[DGP1]

I don't like using them but it is appropriate :dcfo :ncfo :vcfo

Don't like using who ???

The smilies

[DirtyHarry]

Just proves the point that love them or loathe them, unions must be doing something right in the workplace if the tory scum are pulling out all the stops to neuter them

Don't kid yourself, mate.
This is just Tory posturing purely for their supporters, and the unions being so weak and inneffective, are an easy target for the Tories to flex their muscles on.