Union Strike Ballots
A Conservative MP at Westminster is calling for the reform of trade union strike ballots - so that a Yes vote is only deemed to be valid if it has the support of the majority of union members.
In other words a majority of 75% based on a turnout of only 20% of members - would no longer have the protection of the law.
The MP concerned - Dominic Raab - is proposing that the new rules would apply to the emergency services and transport workers
London Mayor - Boris Johnson - has previously suggested that a 40% hurdle should be used.
Interestingly 40% was the figure demanded by Labour MPs - for the referendum on Scottish devolution back in 1979.
Regular disruption to the London transport network appears to be fuelling the debate - but I would hazard a guess that it will gain a lot of public support.
Trade union leaders can take the view that a majority is a majority - and that politicians are often not elected on a 50% turnout of the electorate.
True, but the reality is that trade union ballots have turned low turnouts - into something of an art form.
And the outcome of the ballot clearly affects people lots of other people - who are not entitled to vote but have to live with the consequences of the ballot.
In any event the genie is now out of the bottle.
Instead of sticking their heads in the sand - the unions would be well advised to work much harder to ensure - that all strike ballots have the visible support of ordinary members.
Because if not - their legitimacy will continue to be called into question
In other words a majority of 75% based on a turnout of only 20% of members - would no longer have the protection of the law.
The MP concerned - Dominic Raab - is proposing that the new rules would apply to the emergency services and transport workers
London Mayor - Boris Johnson - has previously suggested that a 40% hurdle should be used.
Interestingly 40% was the figure demanded by Labour MPs - for the referendum on Scottish devolution back in 1979.
Regular disruption to the London transport network appears to be fuelling the debate - but I would hazard a guess that it will gain a lot of public support.
Trade union leaders can take the view that a majority is a majority - and that politicians are often not elected on a 50% turnout of the electorate.
True, but the reality is that trade union ballots have turned low turnouts - into something of an art form.
And the outcome of the ballot clearly affects people lots of other people - who are not entitled to vote but have to live with the consequences of the ballot.
In any event the genie is now out of the bottle.
Instead of sticking their heads in the sand - the unions would be well advised to work much harder to ensure - that all strike ballots have the visible support of ordinary members.
Because if not - their legitimacy will continue to be called into question
