asked the Minister for Labour whether trade unions should be immune from legal action for damages caused by them in the course of an industrial dispute called by them, without first having a ballot of all their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Legal Action in Industrial Disputes.
18.
I firmly support the view that those being called on to take part in industrial action should be given the opportunity by their union to express their support or otherwise for the proposed action by means of participation in a secret ballot.
In accordance with the provisions of the Programme for National Recovery it is my intention to have discussions with the social partners in the very near future about changes in industrial relations which would provide a better framework for collective bargaining and dispute settlement and help to create conditions for employment-generating investment. The question of pre-strike ballots will be one of the topics to be included in these discussions.