Tackling intimidation of non-striking workers
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
We will improve and update the code of practice on picketing to set out the rights and responsibilities of parties involved or affected by industrial disputes. This includes the use of social media and protests.
The Trade Union Bill requires unions to issue a letter of authorisation to the picket supervisor. We will table an amendment to the bill to clarify who is entitled to ask for details about this letter. This amendment will clarify that the union’s letter approves the picketing, not the picket supervisor.
Detail of feedback received
We received 177 responses from interested parties including:
- trade unions
- local government
- legal representatives
- academic community
- individuals
- representative or membership organisations
Original consultation
Consultation description
The government is reforming and modernising the rules for picketing. We’re seeking your views on:
- whether the code of practice on picketing should cover use of social media and be extended to include guidance on protests linked to industrial disputes
- whether there are other practices for picketing that should be legally enforceable
- whether there are gaps in the current legal framework that applies to picketing and associated protests
- proposals that aim to improve union transparency and accountability for picketing and associated protests
We also invite evidence of intimidatory behaviour experienced during industrial disputes.
Documents
Updates to this page
Last updated 3 November 2015 + show all updates
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Added government response.
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First published.