NHS services, daily commutes, delayed Christmas cards and international travel are but a few of the things which spring to mind, and which I'm sure many of us have experienced impacts on, as a result of strike action in 2022 and most likely into 2023 as well. Having the privilege of living in a society which benefits from a wealth of public services, the government's proposals for amending the legislation protecting strike action has pitted several values and priorities against each other; significantly, the ability to negotiate fair and equal treatment via trade unions in contrast to the demand for a high level of public services.

The Prime Minister has proposed that "minimum service levels" be maintained within public services, and if they are not maintained as a result of strike action the relevant employer will be able to take action (including legal action) against the striking employees and the applicable trade union. The proposal brushes over the detail of what "minimum service levels" will be, but the focus lies on the ability for strike action to be limited and for those striking to be penalised, which marks a significant change in the protection of the rights of striking individuals.

There is a lot of lively chatter surrounding this proposal because it engages employers and employees at all levels: on the one hand, employees with union membership are likely to feel a sense of vulnerability, while on the other, employers and members of the public who have experienced upheaval from recent strike action are more likely to welcome the proposal as it encourages open negotiation outside of strike action and the stability of businesses and services. 

Whether or not the proposal will come into force is yet to be seen, but its mere proposal emphasises the attitude of Sunak's leadership to prioritise the national economy.