Trade Unions, Human Rights and the BNP

The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, section 174, bars trade unions from (amongst other things) excluding or expelling individuals on grounds of their membership of a political party. An issue has arisen about whether trade unions can exclude or expel individuals who are members of the British National Party (BNP). This article questions whether the current restrictions are consistent with international treaties ratified by the UK, and considers the human rights claims of the trade union and the 'unwanted' individuals.