improved pensions, pay.
The shop floor is not getting agitated about poring predictable first of fer. But if Ford worker want the company to give them more this year two things are central First, we will have to fight for it. Second, we will need eyes in the back of our heads to watch the antics of some of our union officials and convenors.
Recent history shows why. This year's claim was drawn more demosince different plants the shop floor was sounded out via questionnaires, section meetings, shop stewards meetings.
This culminated in national shop Stewele comerence m Coventry, FORD MANAGEMENT have offered six per cent and sweet nothing in response to the annual wages and conditions claim of its 41,500 manual workers. The trade unions are demanding 14 per cent for all grades, a special payment for assembly line workers, and parity with staff on sick The shop stewards asked for an across-the board cash increase. The officials asked for a percentage increase which will increase divisive differentials.
TGWU Dagenham The shop stewards wantea lo renegoale lit technology agree• LU protect 1ob: 13,000 have gone in the three sycals Ron Todd's submission to the company did not mention this.
Finally, the shop stewards decided to end the undemocratic system whereby plants whether 200 or 4000 had one vote each at national level. Negotiations Now the trade union side of the Ford National Joint Negotiating Committee, over half of its members full-time of icials, is having a specia meeting on Novembe "to rediscuss' this voting plan. This date was originally set for further negotiations with manage "toc busy' to meet the unions.
In reality the company has every interest in disen franchising the bigger and traditionally more militant plants. Ford workers have the power to take on the company win this year. But they will have to fight anar watch their backs to do it.