MP leads debate on trade union access to workplaces

WARRINGTON South MP Faisal Rashid led a 90-minute debate in Parliament on trade union access to workplaces.
This followed him tabling a Ten-Minute Rule bill last month to broaden trade union officials’ rights of access to speak to employees at their place of work for the purposes of recruitment.
Under existing legislation, there is no legal right of access to workplaces for unions to recruit new members, and major companies like McDonalds and Amazon are often able to bar trade unionists from their stores.
Mr Rashid’s bill is now scheduled for a second reading.
He said: “If you’re a working person in the UK, you have something to thank our trade unions for. Unions have fought to give us the minimum wage, parental rights, holidays and sickness pay.
“With nearly 6.5 million members in the UK, trade unions are our largest voluntary, democratic organisations.
“This role has never been more critical than today, as in-work poverty is on the rise and zero-hours contracts are widespread. But a barrage of anti-trade union legislation over the past decade has meant that workers have found their ability to organise and take industrial action to challenge these injustices greatly restricted.
“Workers at Amazon have had their shift patterns interrupted and randomised simply to prevent them from talking to union officials on the way in to work.
“Union representatives visiting McDonalds across the UK to speak to workers about the benefits of joining a trade union are being routinely thrown out of stores, having their presence reported to senior regional managers.
“When I raised these issues in Parliament several weeks ago, both Amazon and McDonalds responded by denying these practices were taking place in their stores.
“Their dismissive attitude to the testimonies of multiple workers and union officials sums up the problem with current legislation. The crucial work of our trade unions is simply a nuisance to these companies – getting in the way of their exploitative practices and profiteering. Let the figures speak for themselves: from 2015-2018, a shocking 600 ambulance calls were made to Amazon warehouses. Current laws simply let them get away with it.
“But it is not just Amazon and McDonalds – these practices are widespread, particularly in poorly paid jobs.
“I am pro-businesses and I want to see our businesses flourish. But this should not come at the cost of dignity and respect at work. An alternative is possible.
“We can look to places like New Zealand for inspiration, as well as evidence that the legislation that I am proposing works.
“In truth, a happy, well-respected workforce is also a productive one. The stories I have heard from union officials paint the opposite picture – too many people in this country feel exploited and dispensable at work. If we are to transition away from a low-wage, precarious economy, increasing the collective bargaining power of these workers is critical.
“That is why I’m fighting to improve trade union access to the workplace: we need stronger trade unions and a better deal for working people.”