We are trade union members from the North West worried about the threat Brexit poses to workers’ rights built up over the last 40 years.
EU laws safeguard our existing rights, and they are developing new legislation to give protections to people working in the gig economy and on zero hours contracts.
Brexit Britain would miss out on new rules forcing employers to give reasonable notice of shifts, limiting probationary periods to six months, giving you the right to take on a second job, and to receive a reply to requests for more secure hours or conditions.
The Government have said they will give Parliament a vote on whether to adopt new European rules, but their track-record proves they cannot be trusted with key employment legislation.
Trade union members are part of a growing shift in the North West’s attitude towards Brexit. According to analysis by Best for Britain and HOPE not hate, between the referendum and November 2018, 9.3% more voters in the North West would now vote to keep our EU membership.
Europe is changing for the better and it’s time the public has an opportunity to decide if losing the rights we have fought for is a price they want to pay for Brexit.
Elizabeth Baum, Trade Union (UNISON) member from Penrith and The Border
Michael Leach, Trade Union (UNITE) member from Barrow and Furness
Sarah Haley, Trade Union member from Carlisle
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