In a year that has seen headlines dominated by strikes of junior doctors and Scotrail staff, the introduction of the Trade Union Act 2016, is likely to be of great interest to both employers and employees. The Trade Union Act 2016 (TUA), which is expected to come into force throughout the year, incorporates a number of changes for the Trade Union regime throughout the U.K.
The Key Changes
Balloting
Before industrial action can take place, a Trade Union must ballot its members. Members will cast their vote about the issue and if there is enough support the ballot will pass and industrial action can take place.
The TUA changes what can and what can?t be regarded as a successful ballot. At least 50% of eligible union members must vote in the ballot, therefore if a Union has 1000 eligible members 500 must vote.
In most cases a ballot vote passes if 50% of the voters are in favour of it. However the TUA changes this simple majority requirement when the ballot involves certain providers of public services, for example A&E staff, firefighters, teachers and some transport services. In these cases, at least 50% of eligible union members must vote, and the ballot needs the support of at least 40% of union members. So if the turnout is only 50% then 80% of those voting must vote in favour of the ballot.
The TUA also includes new rules about what information should be printed on ballot voting papers and what information a union must give to its members when ballot results are announced.
Time Limits
Previously, when a ballot was passed unions typically had 4 weeks to call any industrial action. As long as the action was called within that time frame the Union could suspend industrial action and recall it at a later date, even if the 4 week period had passed.
The TUA increases the time limit unions have to call industrial action after a successful ballot from 4 weeks to 6 months (or a longer period of 9 months if agreed by employers). However, it has removed the ability for unions to suspend action and recall it after the initial time limit has passed. If an industrial dispute remains unresolved after 6 months, the union will need to get a new successful ballot in order to continue any industrial action.
In addition the minimum notice period a union must give before beginning industrial action has been increased from 7 days to 14.
Picketing
The TUA introduces a requirement for pickets to have designated supervisors. This needs to be a Union Official or Member who is easily identifiable, is either at the picket or close-by, and is known to the police. If a supervisor is not appointed an employer can take legal action against the union
Political Funds
Unions can choose to put Members subscription fees into their political funds. The Union uses these to donate to political parties and support causes. Previously TU members had to specifically opt-out of this system and say that they did not want their fees to go towards the union?s political fund. The TUA changes this position and makes the political fund system an ?opt-in? one.
Why are the changes important?
The TUA changes how unions can organise lawful industrial action. If unions and their members carry out industrial action, that isn?t lawful, they could face more stringent repercussions. By following the new rules set out in the TUA unions and their members can be shielded from these issues.
The TUA ushers in a more onerous regime for Trade Unions.
