END BAN ON HIRING STRIKE BREAKERS

22 February 2010                     

Responding to the result of the strike ballot by British Airways staff, classical-liberal think tank Progressive Vision has called for an end to the prohibition on hiring replacement agency workers during industrial action.

Shane Frith, Director of Progressive Vision said:

“This action by BA staff further demonstrates the need for radical amendments to labour relations laws to prevent trade unions from holding the nation’s economy hostage.

Such an amendment does nothing to restrict the rights of workers to withdraw their labour.  However, if worker exercise this right, why should employers have their rights restricted by preventing them from hiring willing workers?”

“Britain’s economy and competitiveness is in tatters.  They only way the nation can return to true prosperity is to improve productivity and this will not be achieved with trade unions resisting much needed reforms and crippling vital businesses.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

The prohibition on hiring replacement agency workers is contained in the  Employment Business Regulations (2003) .