Rishi Sunak is poised to announce plans to allow employers to sue unions and sack staff in a clamp down on the right to strike.
The prime minister is expected to announce new legislation to enforce "minimum service levels" in a number of sectors including the health service, rail, education and fire. The new laws, which could be announced as soon as today, Thursday, December 5, will require union members to continue working to retain a "minimum level" of service.
As first reported in The Times, strike action would be deemed illegal if unions refused to provide the minimum care. Employers would be able to sue unions, while union members told to work under the minimum service requirement could be dismissed if they refuse to do so.
READ MORE: 'Fun-loving' couple who died in helicopter crash pictured smiling with family
A government source told the paper: "This legislation will remove the legal immunity for strikes where unions fail to implement a minimum level of service. The strikes will be illegal. Ultimately people could be fired for breach of contract."
Minimum service levels would be agreed between unions and the government but levels could be imposed by ministers should both sides fail to reach an agreement. Speaking on Wednesday after he set out his pledges for the coming year, Mr Sunak said the "right to strike has to be balanced with the right of the British public to be able to go about their lives without suffering completely undue disruption". He added new laws would restore the balance.
Trade unions have slammed the proposed new laws and are prepared to take legal action over the plans. Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trade Union Congress, said: "For the avoidance of doubt. If the government attacks the right to strike, the TUC will resist them all the way. In Parliament. In the courts.
"And I have no doubt our unions and members will continue to win ballots and exercise what is an internationally recognised, fundamental right." Locally West Derby MP Ian Byrne said on Twitter: "The richest man in Parliament refused our calls to legislate for a right to food but is legislating to ban strikes by workers forced to use foodbanks because of his political decisions. The Tories are not fit to govern."
The news comes as rail services were hit by a 24-hour strike by Aslef members. The day of action is sandwiched between two 48-hour strikes by RMT rail workers this week. Later this month NHS nurses will walk out again following their unprecedented strike action before Christmas last year.
Union members who have spoke to ECHO reporters from picket lines from a number of different sectors have all said workers would be "resolute" in fighting for improved pay and terms and conditions.
Regarding the proposed new laws, a government spokesperson told the Times: "Ministers continue to explore further measures to help minimise disruption and protect the public but no decisions have been taken. Any legislation we do bring forward will aim to safeguard the rights of the public to get on with their daily lives and be kept safe, while recognising the rights of workers to strike.
"It is not our intention to penalise individual members for striking and we will make this clear; this is about ensuring that the public can expect that essential services will be protected during industrial action."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here.
READ NEXT:
Men beaten, burned and starved after being chained to radiators
Live updates as police close road after crash
Mum who lost eight stone shares diet tips that actually work
Family 'struggling to come to terms' with loss of couple in helicopter crash
Peter Kay fans conned out of £380 for Liverpool M&S Arena tickets
