by Our News Desk

THE Welsh Assembly voted yesterday to reject the “unnecessary, unfair and damaging” Trade Union Bill.

AMs ruled that the Bill intrudes into areas clearly defined as under Welsh government responsibility and should not be applied to Wales without National Assembly consent.

Ministers heard that the Westminster government’s “draconian” Bill will undermine constructive industrial relations developed in the country since 1999.

First Minister Carwyn Jones argued last month that Westminster shouldn’t be allowed to dictate laws relating to devolved services like health and education.

Wales TUC general secretary Martin Mansfield welcomed the “firm stance” taken by Mr Jones in denouncing the Bill, pointing out that it breaches the devolution settlement.

He said the Bill intrudes “on the positive social partnership arrangements we have developed in the Welsh public sector.”

The motion, condemning “how the Bill would undermine internationally recognised rights and impinge on matters devolved to Wales,” was brought by Plaid, Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Only Tory assembly members voted against the motion.

A mass rally was held outside the Senedd in Cardiff yesterday during the afternoon’s debate.

Unison regional secretary Margaret Thomas said: “We will continue to lobby elected representatives with a clear message.

Let’s work together for a better future — drop the Trade Union Bill.”

In Scotland all 32 councils have refused to implement the Bill’s conditions, which include end check-off where union subscriptions are deducted from workers’ salaries.