Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:01 pm on 28 February 2023.
As we will discuss in the Plaid debate tomorrow, the fair work agenda needs to have a central role in shaping Wales's future industrial and economic strategy. In response to the draconian strikes Bill making its way through Westminster, it is vital for us in Wales to define clear principles related to fair work. This will protect future generations from the alarming legislation we are seeing coming out of Westminster. In light of today's accepted fair work recommendations, I note what you said about how the Welsh Government is going to achieve policy commitments to promoting trade unions and collective bargaining in the face of the draconian UK legislation. Which of these do you think will have the most impact in mitigating some of that attack from Westminster on trade unionism?
The other matter I wanted to turn to is the Fair Work Commission's 2019 recommendation that a definition of 'fair work' in Wales should consist of workers being fairly rewarded, heard and represented, secure and able to progress in a healthy, inclusive environment where rights are respected. It's a positive step in the right direction to see that the Fair Work's Commission's definition has been accepted for adoption and use across Welsh Government. However, for a definition recommendation in 2019 to only now be accepted highlights that there is work to be done when it comes to proactive decision making. Why wasn't this definition accepted sooner, and what more can be done now to embed this definition in practice? Diolch yn fawr.