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Jeremy Corbyn joins Cardiff protest against union bill | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has spoken out against plans to restrict public sector strikes following a protest march in Cardiff. | |
He accused the Tories of "taking away the most effective means of securing better pay and working conditions" with the Trade Union Bill. | |
Mr Corbyn said he was "proud" of the work unions did trying to create a "decent collective society". | |
Around 400 people took part in the march on Saturday. | |
The Labour leader did not march himself, but addressed campaigners when they returned to their starting point at the steps of the city's National Museum. | |
Speaking from the top of a fire engine, Mr Corbyn said: "We've been through some terrible struggles, such as the miners' strike in the 80s." | |
He said workers continued to struggle in different ways, and defended their right to strike. | |
As it stands, the law allows strikes to be called if the majority of those taking part in a ballot vote in favour. | As it stands, the law allows strikes to be called if the majority of those taking part in a ballot vote in favour. |
The new bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, would only allow strikes in key public services if they were backed by at least 40% of union members eligible to vote in the ballot. | The new bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, would only allow strikes in key public services if they were backed by at least 40% of union members eligible to vote in the ballot. |
The UK government has said it wants to ensure essential services are not disrupted at short notice by strikes supported by a small proportion of union members. | The UK government has said it wants to ensure essential services are not disrupted at short notice by strikes supported by a small proportion of union members. |
First Minister Carwyn Jones has threatened to defy Westminster by passing Welsh laws on strikes, even if it results in a Supreme Court battle over where responsibility lies. | First Minister Carwyn Jones has threatened to defy Westminster by passing Welsh laws on strikes, even if it results in a Supreme Court battle over where responsibility lies. |
Speaking before the event, Mr Corbyn said: "I congratulate the Welsh Labour government on their work to stand up for trade unionists in Wales. | Speaking before the event, Mr Corbyn said: "I congratulate the Welsh Labour government on their work to stand up for trade unionists in Wales. |
"Welsh Labour, unlike the Conservatives in Westminster, know that strong public services rely on a well-trained, safe and decently-paid workforce." | "Welsh Labour, unlike the Conservatives in Westminster, know that strong public services rely on a well-trained, safe and decently-paid workforce." |