A UNION which represents 10,000 private and public sector workers in the Isle of Man has joined forces with two UK unions for a joint campaign on worker's rights.

The Isle of Man Trades Union Council (TUC) has joined with RMT and Nautilus to campaign for TUPE – the transfer of undertaking regulations that give workers some protection when their jobs are taken over by another organisation.

Currently unions are focusing on the lack of TUPE legislation in the Island something which has never been in existence in the Isle of Man.

Andrew Shipley, the vice president of the Isle of Man TUC met with Bob Crowe the general secretary of the RMT in London last week and a series of actions were agreed.

Andrew said: "All the Manx based unions are seeing an increase in transfers of employment from one organisation to another and if privatisation of public services begins we will see an increased need for basic protections.

"It is shocking that private sector workers in the 21st century cannot rely on even minimum time periods to adjust to circumstances forced on them. This is primarily legislation that will benefit the many private sector workers who take pay and conditions cuts whilst new owners still rake in the profit."

Bob Crow said: "We have been aware of this issue for some time. Our own members within the Isle Of Man Steam Packet have seen how the lack of legislation can impact them and their families.

"This is an issue across the trade union movement and we intend to raise the matter in the UK within the TUC. The RMT is committed to fighting for change and ensuring our members and all workers get the fair employment rights they deserve."

An iPetition has been launched and the Isle of Man TUC is urging people in the Island to sign and show their support. The union is also asking prospective MHKs state their position on increased employment rights in their election manifestos in the run up to the election in September.