MORE than 40 European union leaders have announced their commitment to the fundamental right to strike in a joint declaration on the eve of the 138th Durham Miners’ Gala.
The TUC backed the new Durham Declaration as it held an international roundtable today marking 40 years since the 1984-5 miners’ strike.
It stated: “Industrial action is an essential part of the global fundamental right to the freedom of association and democracy in the world of work. Without it, exploitation can go unchecked, increasing inequalities and damaging workers’ pay and health.
“For unions at the negotiating table, collective bargaining is akin to begging unless their members are able to collectively walk out from their workplaces to put pressure on their employer counterparts.
“Forty years on from the 1984-85 UK miners’ strike, and on the eve of the Durham Miners’ Gala, we reaffirm our commitment to stand united, within the international and European trade union movement, and to strongly push back against all attacks on the right to strike.
“We will never silently watch our most fundamental right being attacked.”
Fran Heathcote, general secretary of PCS union, which has led the trade union response to the Tories’ minimum service levels legislation, addressed the gathering organised by IndustriALL Europe and supported by TUC Northern.
Writing for the Morning Star today, she said: “One of the great things about this weekend is the chance for unions to come together to build and grow joint campaigns on areas that cut across the movement.
“We hope that a Labour government will engage with us on these building blocks as we look ahead to a new political era.”
Speakers included Adriana Pella of CGT Buenos Aires and leader of SUTEP, while Sebastien Menesplier, general secretary of the mining and energy section of the French CGT, gave a speech on the attacks on employment rights in France.
The declaration comes amid fears that Labour may water down or delay pledges in its New Deal for Workers, which includes vows to repeal the minimum service levels.
Unions have warned these effectively outlaw strikes for workers in health, education, fire and rescue, transport, border security, nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management services.
Labour has promised to bring new legislation within the first 100 days in government, but has faced intense lobbying from business groups.
