ANTI-UNION legislation is the “epitome of contempt for ordinary working people” firefighters stormed yesterday as they stepped up their campaign to scrap the Trade Union Act.

Tearing apart the Tory law, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Shropshire delegate Matthew Lam called it a “paradox” that the Conservatives still get so many working-class votes.

And FBU Scotland’s Stephen Thompson applauded the Welsh Assembly for its progress in fighting back against the legislation in the country by repealing its devolved parts.

He said Scotland, with the promises to oppose the Act from SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon at the STUC conference weeks ago, was not far behind.

Parts of the legislation, including new balloting thresholds for “important public services,” came into force in March.

The threshold requires at least half of a union’s eligible membership to turn out in an industrial action ballot for it to be lawful.

And in so-called “important public services,” a further requirement of 40 per cent of those entitled to vote must back industrial action.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack told delegates: “It’s interesting that we are seen as an important public service when it comes to industrial action but not when it comes to staffing, pay and pensions.”

He called the Act among “the most restrictive anti-union laws in Europe” and proof of Tory attempts to silence their biggest threat — trade unions.

The union unanimously resolved to continue to oppose the Act and campaign for its repeal, including supporting Labour’s pledge to axe it once it gets into government.