David Prosser: A new age of industrial confrontation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Outlook Unite is understandably delighted at its success in having the High Court ban on its strike at British Airways overturned. But the trade union movement should not get too carried away by this victory. The fact that employers are increasingly willing to turn to the courts during a dispute of this sort marks a step change in Britain's industrial relations climate.
BA is not alone. Last week the publishing group Johnston Press successfully persuaded a court to rule that a ballot taken by its staff for a strike had been improperly conducted, rendering the action unlawful. Other employers will be emboldened by such successes.
These companies are using legislation enacted more than 20 years ago, which the unions failed to persuade successive Labour governments to repeal despite a 13-year window of opportunity. It is difficult to imagine the unions having more joy with the new government. Indeed, if the reaction of workers to public sector austerity measures in other parts of Europe is anything to go by, our own government may find itself tempted to follow the lead of employers such as BA and Johnston Press.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments