Catherwood LibraryILR School

Already at odds over the privatization of public services (see WIT for June 26, 2002), British Prime Minister Tony Blair?s ?New Labour? Party and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) are now facing off over Mr. Blair?s opposition to new European Union (EU) workers? rights laws. According to some TUC officials, workers? rights laws have become a bigger issue for unions than the prime minister?s push for privatization of many key utilities, and Mr. Blair can expect anything from an earful to a major fight in the months leading up to the TUC?s annual conference in September. In an apparent attempt to mollify Britain?s workers, the Labour Party has called for a review of employment laws to begin in the coming week---resulting in a scramble by business groups to get the first word in before the TUC submits a list of legislative demands.