Curbs on “undemocratic” strike action will save almost 200,000 working days a year, according to government figures.
The London Underground stoppage last week would not have gone ahead if the law, which will take effect on March 1, had been in force. Under the changes unions will be unable to call a strike unless at least half of eligible members vote.
For vital public services, such as trains and the Tube, unions will need at least 40% of those entitled to cast a ballot to vote for action.
The RMT transport union failed to get half of drivers on the Piccadilly line, or station staff they represent, to take part in the ballots for action on the Underground. The TSSA union also failed to get half of its station staff to vote.
The legal changes will save 1.5m working hours, or almost 200,000 working days, according to a government impact assessment.
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“Ordinary working people have a right to expect protection from undemocratic strike action,” the government said.
Conservative MPs led by Chris Philp have written a letter calling on Theresa May to go further and bring in even tougher new anti-strike laws.
The demand comes as strike-hit Southern rail steps up efforts to recruit drivers with adverts in newspapers this week. The move aims to make Southern less reliant on drivers doing overtime, which they can withdraw during disputes.
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