Five trade unions have co-signed a statement supporting an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill that would end the ban on solidarity strikes (aka “secondary action”).
As trade unions representing workers across the public and private sectors, we stand together in support of Amendment 240 to the Employment Rights Bill, tabled by Lord Hendy in the House of Lords.
This amendment, which would legalise secondary industrial action, represents a vital step in restoring fundamental trade union freedoms. For too long, the current legal restrictions have served to isolate disputes, weaken solidarity, and limit workers’ ability to collectively challenge unfair conditions—particularly in an increasingly fragmented and outsourced employment landscape.
In workplaces where staff are employed by multiple contractors, agencies, or third-party providers, the existing framework prevents workers and unions from taking meaningful, coordinated action—even when the root cause of the dispute lies with a shared decision-maker. Legalising secondary action would bring the UK closer to international norms on the right to strike and significantly strengthen the ability of working people to stand up for ourselves and the services we deliver.
We urge all members of the House of Lords to support Amendment 240, and we call on fellow trade unions and allies to join us in defending the basic right of workers to act in solidarity.
See the BMA’s press release, here.
The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) has published a separate statement, here.
Free Our Unions 