TRADE UNION RIGHTS OF ACCESS TO WORKPLACES

That this House believes that the right to join a trade union is a basic democratic right, and that trade unions play an invaluable role in defending the pay, terms and conditions of their members; regrets that presently in the UK there is no legal right of access to workplaces for unions to recruit new members, and that a number of employers actively seek to bar trade union activists from the premises; notes that this situation contrasts starkly with the law in New Zealand, where legislation prevents employers from unreasonably withholding access to the premises as long as sufficient notice is given by the trade union; and therefore calls on the Government to bring forward legislation to give trade unions similar rights of access to work places in the UK.