The new Conservative government has announced plans to make strikes by public-sector unions more difficult, including
A strike affecting essential public services will need the backing of 40% of eligible union members under government plans.
Currently, a strike is valid if backed by a majority of those balloted.
There will also need to be a minimum 50% turnout in strike ballots.
The new Business Secretary Sajid Javid said “What people are fed up of is strike action that hasn’t been properly supported by the members of the relevant union.” It is notable that this complaint comes from a government that received less than 37% of the votes in the last election, accounting for less than 25% of eligible voters.
Common Infirmities 