Social partnership and fair work

Social Partnership represents a bold and pragmatic approach to policymaking, says Liam Perry, Policy and Communications Support Officer of Wales Trade Union Congress

Last month, after years of intense work from trade unions, Welsh Government, and employer organisations, the Social Partnership and Public Procurement Act finally became law in Wales.

The Act signals a momentous shift away from the dated, diktat style of government that has dominated public policymaking for decades and acknowledged the power imbalance between workers and bosses. It creates a collaborative system of governance that brings together trade unions, Welsh Government, and employers, all working together to build a better nation.

As the voice of workers in Wales, we at the Wales TUC have pushed relentlessly for workers to have a seat at the policymaking table. We know that the practical experience of workers is invaluable. It provides a depth of perspective you just can’t get elsewhere. That’s why we’re pleased to see the Act not only give unions a place at the table, but also recognises them as essential partners in policymaking.

However, from a worker perspective, what difference does this make on the ground?

The answer can be found in duties that will be put on public bodies because of the Act. This includes a legal duty on most devolved public bodies to reach consensus or compromise with unions on their strategic priorities, and source goods and services in a socially responsible way. It means that large public projects can reserve employment opportunities for marginalised groups and ensure that employment rights and rights to union representation are respected.

Wales, like the rest of the UK, has long been blighted by exploitative labour practices that pay scant regard for people and their communities. Public supply chains are often culpable, with outsourced suppliers falling over themselves to drive down wages and conditions to secure contracts and profits.

The Social Partnership and Public Procurement Act strikes back against these odious practices. Union-busting, unsafe work, and despoiling of the environment will no longer be tolerated. From the public body to the very ends of its supply chain, the Act demands workers be respected, kept safe, and free to join a union.

Wales TUC has campaigned for years to make Wales a fair work nation. It’s gratifying to see a great stride being taken towards this goal through the passing of the Social Partnership Act.

Yet for all the benefits the Act brings for workers, some have voiced concerns. The collaborative relationship enshrined in the Act has led to criticism about unions’ ability to function independently. Accusations of cosiness with government and betrayal of workers in pursuit of power have been levelled at unions simply for engaging with the Act.

These charges mischaracterise the legislation and demonstrate a gap in the knowledge of these commentators.

By engaging with Social Partnership, unions are not relinquishing power. They are not restrained by government, nor threatened or cajoled for acting in a way other partners don’t like. The industrial power of unions remains theirs to exercise. You need only look at recent strike action in devolved areas to see this in action.

We won’t always agree with our social partners. We may on occasion have to resort to industrial action. However, what we will do with Welsh Government and employers is talk. Through Social Partnership we use dialogue and collaboration to solve problems, not retreat to our bunkers and throw grenades at each other.

Social Partnership won’t always provide easy solutions. It won’t always be without tension. But in contrast to the hostility and arrogance shown by the current Westminster government, Social Partnership represents a bold and pragmatic approach to policymaking.

We welcome the positive difference it will make to workers. As an instrument for change, we will use the Act to continue our campaign for fair work so that over time, all workers in Wales will benefit from it.