UNIONS vowed to fight “tooth and nail” against Tory attacks on the right to industrial action after the anti-strikes Act became law today.

The TUC said it would not rest until the draconian legislation, which allows ministers to require minimum levels of service during strikes by ambulance staff, firefighters, railway workers and those in other sectors deemed essential, is repealed. 

Workers who vote to strike face the sack if they fail to comply.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Conservatives are threatening to take a wrecking ball to our fundamental right to strike.

“No-one should be sacked for trying to win better pay and conditions at work, especially in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

“But that is exactly what this draconian legislation will allow.

“These new laws will give ministers the power to snatch away the right to strike from a massive one in five workers — that’s 5.5 million people.

“Make no mistake, the TUC will fight this pernicious legislation tooth and nail — exploring all options, including legal routes.”

Deputy Commons speaker Sir Roger Gale announced today that royal assent had been granted to the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act, which Labour has pledged to repeal within 100 days of the party coming to power.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “If you wanted an example of just how out of touch with reality this government’s priorities are, then it is summed up by this legislation. 

“We’ve got a cost-of-living crisis, an NHS crisis, people are struggling and the government is targeting the right to strike.”

The legislation was passed in the House of Lords while hospital consultants went on strike across England and rail workers staged their latest walkout in a long-running dispute.

GMB general secretary Gary Smith said: “It’s another day of shame for this government.

“Ambulance workers will now face the sack if they want to exercise a fundamental part of life in a decent democratic society: the right to strike.”

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch warned: “The government has decided to bring in this anti-worker law because it wants to make effective strike action illegal in Britain.

“RMT will not be bowed or cowed by the Tory government or any government in the future.”

Separate legislation allowing the use of agency workers to cover for strikers was found by the High Court last week to be unlawful, unfair and irrational.