Trade unions have gathered together in Fife to voice their opposition to the UK government’s trade union bill.
Various unions and other local groups were represented prior to the full Fife Council meeting at Fife House in Glenrothes this morning as they lobbied councillors ahead of a discussion on the topic later today.
The controversial bill, which is facing its report stage in the House of Commons on November 10, would mean, among other things, that workers would have to have a 50% turnout threshold for a strike vote to be legal.
That has been seen as an attack on workers’ rights to strike, and it is fair to say the unions have vowed to fight.
John Gillespie, from Unite the Union, said: “We’re looking for 100% support in that chamber, so it will be interesting to see how they will vote.
“You can’t underestimate the Tories at Westminster, and this will go through unless we make ourselves heard.
“They want to attack the trade unions, they are looking to attack the workers of this country and it is big business that is driving this.
“It’s a disgrace what is happening in this country: we’ve had the bedroom tax, benefit sanctions and now this.
“It’s issue after issue after issue – it’s unacceptable.”
A Labour and SNP motion opposing the trade union bill is expected to be overwhelmingly passed.