Grant Shapps anti-strike legislation violates international law, experts say

Trade Union Lawyers Group says this would run counter to workers' protection rights enshrined in labor conventions man and international treaties

Experts say the new rules would violate international law (

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Top lawyers say Grant Shapps anti-strike legislation is a no-start because it breaks international laws.

The Business Secretary's new plan would see striking workers forced to provide minimum service and risk being fired for failing to cross picket lines.

But the Trade Union Law Group, made up of specialist lawyers, says this would run counter to worker protection rights enshrined in human rights conventions and international treaties.

And they presented their findings to the TUC as the union umbrella body works to take legal action.

Group Leader Richard Arthur at Thompson Solicitors said: "The right to strike is a fundamental human right protected by international law.

"It is almost certain that the government will be taken to court. And they will have a hard time explaining how it is legal."

And writing in the Sunday People, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: 'This is wrong, unworkable and almost certainly illegal.

"This will lead to lower wages and wage disputes that will last longer."

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak (

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PENNSYLVANIA)

Mr. Shapps said the new law would cover striking ambulance personnel, firefighters and railway workers. It could be extended to health, schools, nuclear decommissioning and border security if voluntary agreements cannot be reached.

But the Labor Party has pledged to repeal the law if Keir Starmer becomes Prime Minister.

Mr. Shapps cited other countries like Spain and France as examples Britain could copy for minimum service rules.

But lawyers say these are negotiated settlements that do not allow workers to be fired for striking.

Mr. Arthur added: "These brazen proposals give employers the green light to fire people even though the strike has ticked all the legal boxes.

“They would lose unfair dismissal protection and get nothing, no matter how vindictive the employer behaves.”

TUC Labor Rights Officer Tim Sharp added: 'The government accepts that these laws will cut wages and prolong strikes.

"We cannot allow this attack on the rights and lives of workers...