NTB

The law allows, among other things, that striking workers can be terminated, and that employers can sue unions for strike-related costs, he wrote. Time.

In addition, the law stipulates that minimum service levels must be maintained in six sectors, including the health system and rail.

Thus, some union members must remain at work during the strike – otherwise the strike is considered illegal.

Sunak’s office did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters news agency.

Lots of strikes

The prime minister announced the new law last month, and later said its aim was to protect people’s lives and prevent disabling in society.

The UK has recently been characterized by a number of strikes in several sectors. Employees in health care, rail, highway and border control are among those demanding better pay and working conditions in the face of the country’s sky-high inflation.

Laws already existed to prevent British police, military and prison guards from going on strike.

Sunak has criticized the strike several times, but has also received a lot of criticism for not meeting with unions.

Background: 100,000 British nurses went on strike for better pay

To court

A government spokesperson told The Times that it does not intend to punish individuals for striking, but the new law announced is about ensuring that essential public services are protected.

The newspaper wrote that the union was ready to take the law to court because it might conflict with the 1998 Human Rights Act.

– The Conservative government’s plans will be a significant obstacle to workers’ basic right to strike. The measures are unenforceable, counterproductive and almost certain to violate human rights laws, said Tim Sharp of the Trade Union Congress, which represents Britain’s 48 trade unions.

– They can hope that the union will fight the law in parliament and in court.

Flashback: Closed kindergarten and angry teacher. Read about the 2022 strike