TRADE UNIONS must prepare to “come into conflict” with new anti-strike laws, Fire Brigades Union leader Matt Wrack said yesterday.

The FBU general secretary called on the TUC general council to pledge their support for unions who end up “on the wrong side of the law” after the Trade Union Act gained royal assent last week.

Unions succeeded in watering down curbs on union political funds, picketing and the check-off system of collecting subs at source but the Tories’ central attack on ballot thresholds remains.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady told firefighters at their annual conference yesterday that the labour movement had “hit back, and we hit back hard.”

But she warned of the Act’s provision for scab labour and tough anti-union regulations, saying: “It’s not over. We’re not finished yet. Make no mistake, there will be battles ahead.

“But delegates, let’s be clear about this one: there is no law known to man, or indeed woman, that can stop people fighting injustice where they want to.”

Responding after her speech, Mr Wrack said: “We’ve been very clear we believe that unions will come into conflict with that Bill, and that our movement must be prepared.”

The FBU rejected a call yesterday to allow members the option of sticking with check-off, against the union’s policy of phasing out the system in favour of more secure finances.

Supporters of the motion said it would protect members in financial difficulties being forced to leave the union if their direct debits bounced.

conradlandin@peoples-press.com