Blow Against
Socialist Press1976 1976-07-14Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 10 →
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An important blow against workers participation schemes has been dealt by workers at F.H. Biddles, Nuneaton.
Over the last three years the firm has operated a "Works Council" consisting of three management representatives and one shop-floor representative from each of the four sections.
The purpose of the Works Council was to draw workers into joint efforts to boost the company's profits.
Its uselessness to the workforce was demonstrated by the fact that, despite persistent requests, nothing was done about the paintshop windows which had remained unopened for years.
The "Assembly" representative who had sat on the council from its inception decided to resign and expose its collaborationist nature to the workforce.
He attended a Works Council meeting with a prepared statement and despite a 4-3 vote, management refused to enter the text of it in the minutes which go to every worker.
In response to this the statement was pinned on the works notice board where it caused considerable interest.
Attempts by management to get a replacement from Assembly were rejected by the workers there.
A new meeting of the Works Council was called and - no shopfloor representatives attended.
Management then cancelled the next one and will call another in August.
In opposition to the Works Council workers are now arguing for a Health and Safety Committee responsible to the Joint Shop Stewards Committee.
So far, however, the convenor has refused to call a meeting to elect such a committee.