UK Government to Repeal Strikes Act 2023

The Labour government in the UK has announced the repeal of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, fulfilling an electoral promise and responding to widespread opposition from trade unions. This legislation, enacted by the previous Conservative government, aimed to enforce minimum service levels during strikes but faced criticism for being unworkable and an infringement on workers' rights. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasized that the repeal is part of a broader initiative to reset industrial relations, while union leaders hailed the move as a victory for workers. The TSSA and RMT unions welcomed the decision, asserting that the act was ineffective and divisive. The government aims to foster better negotiations between employers and workers, particularly in sectors heavily impacted by strikes, such as the NHS. In addition to repealing the act, the Labour government plans to introduce further reforms to enhance workers' rights within its first 100 days in office.