A consultation has started on the government’s controversial proposals to make minimum service levels a legal requirement during industrial disputes affecting railways.

The idea is being opposed by rail unions, who have condemned plans to restrict the ability to stage a strike. 

When the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill was unveiled last month, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch had said: ‘This is an attack on human rights and civil liberties which we will oppose in the courts, Parliament and the workplace. One of the most important things in any democratic society is to have free trade unions.’

However, in a Commons statement yesterday, rail minister Huw Merriman said: ‘Passengers, through no fault of their own, have been subject to severe disruption on the railways due to sustained industrial action. This has had a nationwide impact. It has stopped key workers getting to work, children going to school, and restricted people’s access to essential services such as hospital care.

‘The government recognises the importance of workers’ ability to take strike action, and this will be protected.’

The Department for Transport said it is seeking views from the ‘public, rail sector, trade unions and wider industries’ on how minimum service levels might apply to passenger railways to reduce disruption caused by strikes.

The consultation will run until 15 May.

source= http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2023/02/21-consultation-launched-on-controversial-strike.html