Blocking agency worker legislation risks trade union link to Labour, says Labour MP

Last year Government ministers blocked John McDonnell's Trade Union Freedom Bill which would have given all workers basic trade union rights. This week the Government is attempting to block Andrew Miller's Temporary and Agency Workers Bill which is scheduled for debate as a private members bill this Friday 22nd February.

John McDonnell MP, Chair of the Labour Representation Committee, said:

“In the Labour and trade union movement we have been waiting over a decade for the Government to introduce basic trade union rights for these vulnerable workers who are mostly women and migrant workers.

“Addressing this issue was a core commitment in the famous Warwick Agreement between the unions and New Labour. To renege on this commitment once again will call into question in the minds of many trade unionists why their union remains affiliated to New Labour.

“For many Labour Party members the creation of the alliance between the New Labour leadership of Gordon Brown and unscrupulous employers to undermine this legislation begs the question why Brown and his followers are in the Labour Party. If they want to serve as the electoral voice of big business they should have the honesty to leave Labour and set up their own pro business party.”

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