A WEEK of action across the North-East is planned to show solidarity against the Government’s Trade Union Bill.

Union members in the region are expected to join forces in a bid to pressure a rethink over a proposed Bill that shifts workplace power “in favour” of employers.

Seven days of meetings, street stalls, films and blogs, under the Heartunions campaign, aims to build public support for the cause and boost union membership figures.

A live question and answer session between the Trades Union Congress (TUC) general secretary Frances O’Grady and comedian and actor Eddie Izzard will also be broadcast across the North-East.

Mrs O’Grady said: “To get a good deal for workers you need power on both sides of the table.

“So that’s why we’re asking people to get together a group of their workmates and colleagues and all join a union.

“Because negotiating together for higher wages, investment in skills and better relations at work is how we get an economy that delivers for everyone.”

Tomorrow (February 9), the Big Workplace Meeting will be shown from 12.45pm in workplaces across the region, with workers urged to submit their questions to Mrs O’Grady and Mr Izzard online.

Street stalls will also open in Durham city centre from noon until 2pm on Thursday (February 11) before coming to Darlington on Saturday (February 13) from 11am until 1pm.

The Government defended its proposed changes to the Bill and Employment Minister, Nick Boles, said: “When strikes disrupt important public services that we all rely on day-in, day-out, it is important the public can have confidence strikes were backed by a reasonable proportion of union members.

“These new thresholds ensure the right to strike is fairly balanced with the right of people to be able to go about their daily lives and work.”

However the North-East’s TUC regional secretary believes the area needs stronger unions to protect workers.

Beth Farhat said: “Heartunions week is about showcasing the amazing and varied work unions do to improve workplaces and the communities they serve.

“As well as helping workers to get better terms and conditions, each year more than 200,000 people are given training and learning opportunities through their union.

“The North-East needs strong unions, not anti-trade union laws. We are taking this message out to workplaces, streets and town centres.”

Stalls will also be opened at Grey’s Monument, in Newcastle, Morpeth’s market square and Sunderland’s Park Lane throughout the week.

For more information on the Heartunions week, visit heartunions.org