The European Commission has expressed concerns that the UK's new minimum-service levels legislation for strikes may breach the Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement. EU bureaucrats argue the law reduces employment rights in a way the 2020 deal ruled out, despite many EU countries having similar laws.
The UK government insists the law is not related to cross-border trade and therefore does not breach the agreement. However, fears of a formal dispute have arisen, potentially leading to a trade war with extra tariffs on UK exports to the bloc.
Former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel accused the EU of 'meddling in affairs that are nothing to do with them', while former Brexit minister David Jones said minimum-service levels are essential to prevent excessive disruption from strikes. A Tory source warned that Labour's plan to align with the EU could lead to more such disputes.
The government spokesman noted that many EU members already have similar legislation, balancing workers' right to strike with the public's right to essential services. Unions have condemned the law, with the Fire Brigades Union calling it 'authoritarian' and the TUC vowing to fight it.
