Trade unions: strike action - navigating the legal and practical issues for charities

Reports of strike action are becoming increasingly common in the charity sector, as organisations continue to grapple with ongoing financial pressures. Measures such as controlling pay and benefits and potential redundancies are increasingly prompting a union response, and growing trade union activity in the sector more generally is also contributing to a rise in industrial action.

While engagement with trade unions can play a constructive role in managing workplace and employee relations, the prospect of industrial action introduces added complexity for charity leaders, raising legal, operational and reputational challenges.

In this webinar, we will provide a clear and practical overview of strike action in the charity context. We will explain what industrial action is, when it can arise (even without a recognised union), and the key legal framework charities need to understand, including ballots, notice requirements and employee protections.
We will also explore how charities can respond – from early engagement and negotiation through to legal options – while considering employment rights and reputational risks. The session will offer useful context and guidance for charity leaders, HR professionals and trustees managing these issues.

The session will be led by Harriet Broughton, Partner, and Damian Ward, Senior Associate, alongside external speaker Georgina Hirsch, a Barrister at Devereux Chambers and trade union and employment law specialist, who brings a wealth of practical experience in industrial relations matters.