§ 55. Mr. Ottawayasked the Paymaster General what information he has as to how many unions have now amended their constitutions in order to comply with the terms of the Trade Union Act 1984.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMost of the requirements of the 1984 Trade Union Act apply whether or not union constitutions have been amended to take them into account. Most rule books are silent on the question of ballots before strikes and neither prevent nor require them. Press reports indicate, however, that at least 38 unions have conducted ballots believed to comply with the Act.
In practice, constitutional changes are most likely to be adopted to give effect to the new requirements for the 110W election of members of their executives. Twenty-one unions are reportedly to make permanent changes and a further four to comply by issuing temporary regulations. For some unions no change of policy is required.
Trade unions wishing to retain political funds must conduct review ballots under rules expressly approved for that purpose by the Certification Officer. Thirty-eight trade unions have now had such rules approved.