Consultation on the Trade Union (Wales) Bill

Sir,

I am writing in response to the above consultation.

I am a Monmouth Town Councillor writing on my own behalf.

This is a brief response as I don’t feel that I could add anything of which that the Welsh Assembly Government is not already aware.

I simply want to say that I am in full support of the introduction of this bill. It is unreasonable for the Westminster Government to try and legislate for Wales with regards to devolved matters, and it is right that the Welsh Assembly should seek exemption from those areas for which it holds responsibility.

Furthermore, I believe that it is a fundamental right for a person to be able to withdraw their labour should they feel the need to do so. I do not support any measures which seek to deprive or inhibit people of that right.

I have worked in primary health care for many years and I am a member of the Royal College of Nursing. I have never been on strike and I don’t anticipate striking in the future. None of my colleagues would take such action lightly, and it would only be considered after all other avenues had been exhausted. I am confident that others working in the public services are of the same mind. However, the ability to strike must be retained in order to prevent future Governments from attempting to impose unacceptable working conditions on employees, as in the case of the Westminster Government’s treatment of the doctors in England.

I appreciate that the Trade Union Act (2016) does not prohibit striking, but it does make it extremely difficult to organize and it is clear that that is its primary aim.

Many regards,

Cllr Ann Were

(Wyesham ward, Monmouth Town Council)