New Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been asked by the first minister to support the devolution of workers’ rights.
Nicola Sturgeon said the SNP would be lodging an amendment to the current Scotland Bill to ensure “the rights of Scotland’s trade union members are protected”.
The move follows the introduction of the controversial Trade Union Bill by the Conservative government.
In a letter to the new Labour leader, Ms Sturgeon said: “One area on which I know we share much concern is the Tory government’s assault on workers’ rights.
“The SNP will take every opportunity to stand against the Tories and their attack on trade union rights (and) there is an opportunity with the current Scotland Bill to ensure that – at the very least – the rights of Scotland’s trade union members are protected.”
The first minister said the SNP would lodge an amendment to devolve employment and industrial relations, with “the full support of the Scottish Trades Union Congress”.
She added: “I am asking you to ensure that Labour MPs show their support for this amendment by co-signing it and voting for it when it comes before the House of Commons.”
The UK Business Secretary Sajid Javid said the bill, which will require hire voting thresholds for strike action, was designed to stop “endless” threats of industrial unrest.