Working people are increasingly seeing their rights eroded at work
and being victimised by hostile employment practices as a result of
the anti-trade union legislation introduced by successive
Conservative governments, delegates at the TUC Congress heard
today.
A motion moved by the NASUWT – The Teachers’
Union deplored the attacks on trade unionists in a
climate where employers routinely denied the rights of workers
who were often in low-paid and precarious employment.
These conditions often mean that some workers are fearful of
victimisation if they join a trade union.
The NASUWT, in partnership with the GMB, UNISON and Unite is
campaigning with school and college employers to value teachers
and support staff.
NASUWT General Secretary Chris Keates said:
“This Government wants to restrict, stifle and silence opposition
and attack our fundamental democratic rights and freedoms. Their
programme is an attack on basic rights, freedoms and entitlements
and on democracy.
“As a movement we will continue to push back against attempts to
undermine and diminish workers’ rights, to extend trade unions’
reach into workplaces and to continue to ensure that unions
remain a strong, progressive force in civil society.”
Moving the motion NASUWT President Fred
Brown told delegates: “We have seen some truly
shocking examples of employers creating conditions akin to
Victorian workhouses rather than 21st Century workplaces.
“Education is no exception. Supply teachers are increasingly
exploited by unscrupulous agencies, often through the use of
offshore-based umbrella companies, and where abuses include
teachers being required to pay their employers’ national
insurance contributions.
“However, we must recognise that there are employers who treat
their employees fairly, with dignity and respect.
“These employers should be recognised and used as an example to
those poor employers, and to highlight to prospective employees
the employers who will treat them well.”
