Government Repeals Controversial Strike Law

The government has officially confirmed that the controversial law ensuring a minimum service level during strikes will be repealed. The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act was introduced last year by the Conservative government in response to an unprecedented wave of labor disputes, during which hundreds of thousands of workers protested over wages, jobs, and working conditions. This move triggered strong reactions from trade unions, which warned that workers could be dismissed if they went on strike. The Labour Party had promised to repeal the law in the event of an election victory and has now confirmed this intention. According to the ministers, the strikes in the NHS alone cost taxpayers £1.7 billion last year. Costs and impacts on public services were also felt in many other sectors. The ministers emphasized that "strong but fair" negotiations are key to resolving conflicts between employees and employers. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have written to the government departments most affected by strikes – including education, health, transport, the Home Office, and energy – as well as the governments of Wales and Scotland, to deliver a "clear message" that the law will be repealed. Additionally, they have contacted all 12 metro mayors in the country to initiate dialogue with local employers about the changes. Rayner stated: "The attempt to restrict the fundamental freedom of working people has led us nowhere. This law targeted sectors that dedicate their lives to the public. That is why we are abolishing this meaningless law and forging a new partnership between businesses, unions, and workers through our New Deal." Business Secretary Reynolds added: "We need to get the British economy moving again, deliver growth, and provide the public services taxpayers deserve. The strike law has not worked – incredibly, the United Kingdom has lost more strike days than France, costing taxpayers billions of pounds. These divisive laws have not resolved a single strike since their introduction." TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak also supported the repeal of the law: "Public services function best when governments listen to their workforce and engage constructively with them. The TUC and countless experts have repeatedly warned that the previous Conservative government's malicious minimum service level regulations (MSLs) are impractical and would only exacerbate and prolong disputes.