At last night’s full council meeting (see our live coverage) Labour councillor, Geoff Lumley presented a motion calling on the Isle of Wight council to oppose the Government’s controversial Trade Union Bill (what’s this?).
The motion drew support from all Island Independent councillors, UKIP, Liberal Democrat, and the other independents, Bob Blezzard, Richard Priest and Jon Gilbey.
Every one of the Conservative councillors in the chamber (ten) voted against the motion.
Protecting staff from bullying bosses
The current administration has a very good relationship with the Trade Unions. The motion stated the TU Bill, which has been widely condemned by human rights organisation, would damage relations between employers and their staff across the country.
Cllr Lumley’s motion,
- Considered that employer-staff relations would be damaged by the Bill
- Noted that human rights organisations considered the Bill to be a threat to the civil liberties of working people.
- Considered the Bill was at odds with the Government’s high-profile devolution agenda as it interfered in locally agreed industrial relations
- Asserted that working in partnership with the Council’s own workforce was essential for improving public services
“A vote for the staff”
Deputy leader, Steve Stubbings (Ind), seconded the motion. He shared Cllr Lumley’s affront with government’s plans to tell councils how they should deal with trade unions and warns members what kind of message it would send to staff if Cllrs do not support the motion.
Cllr Barry (LibDem) said Trade Unions were one of the fundamental things that have made the country good.
Leader of the council, Cllr Bacon (Ind) said the motion was one of common sense and quoted Richard Branson, “If you look after your employees, they look after your staff”.
Cllr Stephens (Ind) said a vote for this motion was “a vote for the staff”.
Criticised by Conservatives
Cllr Lumley was criticised by Cllr Wayne Whittle (Con), for bringing two motions to the meeting, with this one taking up half an hour of his time.
He said,
“This isn’t about hating the unions, this is about you need more than 40% of the people in favour of going on strike.
“Look how long we’ve sat here tonight, half an hour now, this is the second motion brought forward by one man, Geoff Lumley.
“I’ve had to sit here all night for one man, so you can imagine having to go on strike for less than 40% of the people.
“I like the working man, but I think if you should have a majority. It’s just practical common sense that the government is trying to do.
“It’s just an excuse for a party political broadcast on behalf of the Independent and Labour party.”
The vote
The motion was passed with 23 votes in favour, ten against.
The council’s opposition to the Bill will be communicated to the Government and Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner.
