Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
IThe Trade Union (Wales) Bill has today been laid before the National Assembly for Wales.
The Bill dis-applies certain sections of the UK Trade Union Act 2016 which, when they come into force, will inhibit established social partnership arrangements in public service workforce matters intruding on the delivery of Welsh public services.
The Bill reverses provisions for particular ballot thresholds in Welsh public services, ensuring fairness and balance in workplace relationships between employers and trade unions are maintained.
It will ensure the common practice of negotiated and agreed facility time between public service employers and recognised trade unions continues and removes related powers on facility time reporting requirements. In preserving partnership arrangements, the Bill also reverses conditions on the provision of check-off in Welsh public services.
Through the Workforce Partnership Council, the Welsh Government has been engaged in continuous dialogue with social partners about the Bill’s proposals.
I look forward to working with the National Assembly as it considers the Trade Union (Wales) Bill over the coming months.