Unions argue regulations are unlawful and tilt the balance of power towards employers, as experts suggest working to bolster employee relations

Employment experts are calling for businesses to keep a close eye on union-related news as a group of 11 trade unions have today (21 September) begun legal proceedings to protect the right to strike.

The unions – ASLEF, BFAWU, FDA, GMB, NEU, NUJ, POA, PCS, RMT, Unite and Usdaw – coordinated by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), have taken the step to challenge the government’s strike-break regulations, which make it possible for agency workers to fill in for striking employees.

The government policy change, which was announced in July, has widely attracted criticism by unions, some agency employers and politicians.

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Industrial action: things to consider

The unions, which represent a wide range of sectors that encompass millions of workers in the UK, have argued that the regulations are unlawful because the then-secretary of state for business failed to consult unions, as required by the Employment Agencies Act 1973, and the regulations violate fundamental trade union rights protected by article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

As an outcome, the TUC has warned the new laws will “exacerbate industrial disputes and undermine the...

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