“Liberal” MLAs block repeal of laws restricting workers’ freedoms

Disappointing news from Stormont, where socialist MLA Gerry Carroll’s Trade Union Freedom Bill fell on 1 March by just five votes.

The bill would have repealed Tory anti-union and anti-strike laws in Northern Ireland. Had Alliance Party MLAs backed it, it would have passed. Alliance claims to be a “liberal” party, but its MLAs appear to be “liberals” who support state restrictions on basic liberties such as the right to withdraw one’s labour.

The labour movement must continue to campaign for the demands of the bill.

Click here to read our interview with Gerry Carroll about the bill.