Labour vows to rip up anti-strike laws within 100 days of power sparking fears of public services collapse
LABOUR would rip up anti-strike laws within 100 days of winning a general election, Angela Rayner vowed today.
Speaking to delegates at the Trade Union Congress (TUC) annual conference in Liverpool, the firebrand Deputy Opposition Chief pledged to "repeal" laws that guarantee minimum staffing levels in schools and the NHS on strike days.
Ministers introduced the Minimum Service Levels Act in the face of this year's "winter of discontent".
The turbulent period saw nurses, doctors, teachers and rail workers put livelihoods and the economy at risk by frequently walking out of work.
Ms Rayner said: "This year (the Tories) gave us The Minimum Service Levels Bill.
"A spiteful and bitter attack that threatens nurses with the sack.
"We know going on strike is always a last resort, but it’s a fundamental freedom that must be respected."
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She added: "Let me tell you loud and clear, the next Labour Government will ask Parliament to repeal these anti-trade union laws within our first 100 days so that you can get on with your jobs of fighting for better for your members.
"I make no apologies that we will work hand-in-hand with trade unions as we will work with business to deliver a real partnership based on mutual respect, cooperation, and negotiation."
Ms Rayner's pledge to rip-up minimum staffing rules sparked fury this morning, with Tory MPs warning public services could grind to a halt under a Labour government.
Conservative Chairman Greg Hands said: “The mask has slipped. Despite Keir Starmer’s short-term promises to be pro-business, his Deputy Leader is committing to Labour’s union paymasters that they will have more control over Britain’s economy.
“Reversing anti-strike laws will mean more strikes, damaging the economy and disrupting the lives of hardworking people.
“Only the Conservatives are delivering the protections we need to stop Labour-backed union leaders from trying to shut down the country."
Ex-Cabinet Minister Simon Clarke added: "Labour would very clearly be responsible for every day of unnecessary misery for the travelling public that followed."
This morning Ms Rayner also pledged a "New Deal for Working People" within 100 days of a Labour government.
The deal would see new protections for workers against unfair dismissal, a ban on zero-hour contracts, more flexible working and ending fire and rehire.
The Deputy Leader urged militant union chiefs to work hand-in-hand with Labour in the build-up to next year's general election.
She pleaded with hard left bosses, who have criticised Labour for being too Blairite, to join her and Sir Keir Starmer in taking the fight to the Tories.
Ms Rayner said: "The battle for the general election is getting started and it's not going to be easy. This country can't survive another five years of Tory rule.
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"There is no doubt that Labour has to win but to get this victory we have to come together, stand together and campaign side by side.
"And we need your help to get the word out about the New Deal for Working People."