Fords to BL, have tried for years to force more profits their workforce.
Speed-up, demannig. closure, changed work patterns and attacks on organisation the chosen methods.
But with a wave of strikes, BL and Ford workers hitting back. Cowley assembly worker explains.
Next Thatcher unne drives a Maestro she won't be so comtortable in her seat. Last Monday, a mass Cowley nicella assembly workers voted to We immediate strike.
rejected management's decision to cut the three minute handwashing time at the end of each shift.
Nearly 100 per cent of the 2500 workers on the day sutunes hear Transport union convenor Bobby Fryer explain the shop stewards" tion for strike action three unanimous recommendaIn a week, the minutes' means 66 minutes extra out of the day and Subscription Tites.
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Fryer pointed out that Ine hance linu was lOt d gift from management but eroLc lol 30 years and has been compensated or in faster line speeds. A concession on TInIS Issule would lead to slave labour on the line.
By taking a principled stand, workers would be defending more than the three minutes. Frver continued that vote avol the shop stewards recommendation Was a vote ior unity defence of our union and protect basic rights, working conditions jobs.
A massive cheer went up when the vote was carried by Move wic ult majority. Only five voted against.
Engineering Doug Hobbs COLLYCLUE was surprised by the vote.
Never in my 22 years at the factory have I seen such a decisive vote as the one here today.' of the strikers remarked, I've been Cowley for 30 years and I' ve aiways been one of the moderates. But I've never been incensed as 1 alil over this. In the last iwo management atycals subscribe For readers who take out a year's inland subscription we are offering a free copy of Hard Times, a new book in the 'Arguments for Socialism' series by Bob Sutcliffe. The book normally costs $2.50. Send to Socialist Action, 328 Upper Street, London N1 2XP. titudes have changed to that of a bully boy.
'It's not really about the three minutes because the management know that all calla cal sucs the to compensate. We're not getting uptight aolt Isenee OH TuLe but over the whole change ot management attitude 'We're fed up being They have urolo ce turned factory of moderates into a bloody. minded state.
¡lalarcllciil thought that a new young workforce meant a weak and feeble one then they have been proved wrong. ACKS ACOHOOSa Cowley tie in with the atWcs o ca workes lationally at Halewood and Longbridge The Tories are trying to kick car workers into line. But the Cowley strike shows that national fightback is possible. All unionists car related industries should demand that the strike is made official and solidarity organised donations bene messages of support Bobby Fryer, c/o TGWU office, Cowley Road, Oxford.
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MODERN TIMES They reckon Thatcher's going to offer British Rail to McDonalds ... Campaign And a campaign should be built to put those policies and commitments at the centre of Labour's campaign to defeat the Tories That's the role of Socialists for a Victory, campaign uniting members, trade union left tendendes campaigns. women's and black move ment activists. Build it! Middle Lamne London N8. Contact SLV, c/o 28 Darlington p.l0.
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