Keir Starmer has said an incoming Labour government would repeal Rishi Sunak’s anti-strike legislation, setting out clear dividing lines with the Conservatives on workers’ rights before the next general election.

In a major speech to kick off the new year, the party leader suggested that the prime minister’s plans, expected to be brought forward later on Thursday, would fail to end ongoing strikes.

Ministers will announce legislation to enforce “minimum service levels” in six sectors, including the health service, rail, education, fire and border security.

They are also understood to be considering introducing laws allowing bosses to sue unions and sack employees if the minimum levels are not met as Sunak’s government scrambles to get a grip of the ongoing industrial disputes.

Union members who are told to work under the minimum service requirement but refuse to do so could lose their jobs. There are also likely to be tougher thresholds introduced for industrial action to take place.

However, when asked about the plans, Starmer told reporters: “I don’t think this legislation is going to work. I’m pretty sure they’d have had an assessment that tells them that it is likely to make a bad situation worse.

“We will look at what they bring forward but if it’s further restrictions then we would repeal it. The reason for that is that I do not think legislation is the way you bring an end to a dispute.

“You’ve got to get in the room and compromise. You can’t legislate your way out...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMifWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRoZWd1YXJka...