Social Democratic and Labour Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said the Tories cannot be allowed to take a wrecking ball to workers’ rights.

He was speaking ahead of the third reading of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill in the Commons on Monday.

Mr Eastwood said the British government should be focusing on supporting workers during the cost of living emergency instead of stripping them of their rights and protections.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said:

“At a time when workers across these islands are struggling to pay their bills, heat their homes and put food on the table the British government should be exploring ways to provide additional help and support. Instead, we have scandal-hit Tory ministers born into wealth and privilege looking to strip workers of the few rights and protections they do have.

“Attempting to demonise our nurses, teachers, postal workers and many others simply will not work in the eyes of the public who know the huge contribution these people make to our society each and every day. During the coronavirus pandemic we were called on to celebrate our frontline heroes and now the Tories treat these very same people with scorn.

“The SDLP will be standing resolutely against this legislation in the Commons today and we will keep providing these workers with a voice in their fight for fair pay and working conditions. The government needs to acknowledge the pressures facing people as a result of the cost of living emergency and sit down and facilitate agreements between unions and employers. Our workers won’t be taken for granted any longer and this shambolic government needs to think long and hard before picking a fight with people we rely on to provide vital services.”