THE Trade Union Act became law yesterday on what was branded a “dark day” for working people.

The Bill was given royal assent after clearing its final hurdle in the Lords on Tuesday night following an eight-month battle to block it in and outside Parliament.

“The Bill’s progress today is simply a dark day for workers and for those who speak up in their defence when power is misused,” said Unite general secretary Len McCluskey.

But he praised the “dogged” scrutiny by MPs and Lords who helped unions to win “significant concessions” from the government on some of the worst aspects.

The government has been forced into a review of electronic strike ballots that could help unions overcome the 50 per cent turnout threshold imposed on strike ballots, while the opt-in system for unions’ political funds will only be imposed on new members.

Despite the victories, TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said the Act posed “a serious threat to good industrial relations and is completely unnecessary.

“The history books will show that the government’s first major Act of this Parliament has been to attack the right to strike — a fundamental British liberty.”

Shadow minister for trade unions Ian Lavery said the Tories’ priorities showed their true colours.

“Trade unions have won so many vital rights for working people in this country,” he told the Star.

“But the Tories in government have nothing but contempt for those who most need effective trade unions — the vulnerable and the low paid.”

Mr Lavery is leading a commission to design new industrial legislation that will replace the Tory laws when Labour next forms a government.

Lavery: The Trade Union Act hurts all workers

“THE tragedy of this [Act] is that it will damage the ability of unions to represent members and to secure change on their behalf.

“Whether this is in the workplace through cuts to facility time, on the picket line due to restrictions on strike action or in Parliament because of changes in union funding, working people up and down the country will lose out.

“It is an act of political vandalism, attacking the very bedrock of democracy in this country.

“While the unions seek to represent working people in the 21st century, the government is hell bent on refighting old battles and indulging Thatcherite fantasies.

“Under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, Labour will continue to stand up for those suffering under this government.”