Today Labour Party activists will be out in Galashiels in the Scottish borders to campaign against the Tories’ proposed Trade Union Bill.

This action will follow in the wake of a number of Labour councils in Scotland, who, emboldened by Jeremy Corbyn’s victory are refusing to get rid of check-off arrangements and curb facility time in defiance of the Trade Union Bill.

Labour run Renfrewshire Council has become the latest council to confirm that it will not implement the Trade Union Bill should it become law.

A motion passed by the council commits it “not to use agency staff to break or weaken industrial action” as well as continuing to “defend and support” check-off and facility time for union representatives.

The motion calls on the leader of the Council Mark MacMillan to write to Business Secretary Sajid Javid stating the council’s opposition to the bill and resolve not to co-operate with it as well as to call on the Scottish Government to stand with Renfrewshire and other local authorities to oppose the bill. 

With regards to the day of action, local Labour party spokesperson Barrie Cunning the bill was a “clear attack on civil liberties and democracy itself.”

Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Alex Rowley said “this weekend members and supporters are on the streets all over Scotland campaigning against this undemocratic legislation which is an attack on workers, on their families and on public services”.

Mr Rowley will join local activists in campaigning against the Trade Union Bill this weekend.

The Kill the Bill campaign will be taking place from 11am to 1pm at Market Square, Galashiels.