Overview

This Trade Union Bill amends the 1992 Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, primarily focusing on electronic balloting for trade union actions and regulating contributions to trade union political funds. It introduces an opt-in system for political fund contributions and a review of secure electronic balloting methods for union ballots.

Description

The bill makes several key changes:

Electronic Balloting

An independent review will be commissioned to explore secure electronic balloting for trade union ballots. Pilot schemes will be permitted to inform the design and implementation before wider rollout. A government strategy will be published following the review.

Political Fund Contributions

The bill mandates an "opt-in" system for contributions to trade union political funds. Trade union members joining after a transition period (at least 12 months) must explicitly agree to contribute. Existing members contributing can opt out. The Certification Officer will issue a code of practice for communication with contributors about their rights.

Other Changes

Amendments also clarify the process for opting in or out of political fund contributions, specifying acceptable methods (in-person, post, email, electronic forms). The bill includes provisions for the Certification Officer to monitor compliance and take action if necessary.

Government Spending

The bill's financial impact is not explicitly stated in the provided text. Costs are associated with the independent review, pilot schemes, and potential enforcement by the Certification Officer. No figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Trade Unions: The bill significantly impacts trade unions, requiring changes to their balloting procedures and handling of political fund contributions. Compliance costs and potential fines for non-compliance could be significant.
• Trade Union Members: Members will be directly affected by the changes to political fund contributions (opt-in/opt-out system), and potentially by changes to balloting methods.
• Employers: While not directly targeted, employers may experience indirect effects related to changes in trade union activity and balloting processes.
• Certification Officer: This office will have increased responsibilities for monitoring compliance with the new regulations and issuing codes of practice.
• Government: The government will incur costs related to the review, pilot schemes and monitoring.

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