Thatcher airs plans to curb union power

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's government has unveiled proposals for major curbs on trade union power. Under the plans, unions could be sued for striking unlawfully and picketing a company not directly involved in a labor dispute. Also, referendums would be set up in ''closed shops'' to ascertain if workers wanted to continue the system that forces them to join a union.

The proposals will be debated in Parliament early next year.