The workers' claim *£20 across the board increase on the basic rate.
La 53.5 per cent increase for 16-year olds.
par with the white collar workers. *A commitment to reductions in the working week.
present agreement ends in 1983.
The offer *3.8 per cent on gross pay. This would mean an extra increase of £2.50 take home pay for a grade 1 worker and £2 for grade 5. Michael Edwardes' claim *38 per cent on his basic rate The offer 38 per cent. for BL's Chief Executive. He has accepted and will not be out on strike on 1 November.
against the management.
Union ofticials have been forced the deep anger among the BL workers.
With the present pay claim, have been LCON taken prevent the which Manucuvics BL workers suffered in the past. A common claim was presented to BL on wnich all unions and all plants were united.
It is a modest claim for £20 across the board inrestoration of off pay agreements, sick leave and leave of absence on a dar wiln ine walte collar workers and a commitment to a shorter working week.
BL's reply was culltemptuous. The negotiatimmediately UIS mended rejection unanimously called for I November.
This solid stance was in clear contrast to previous years. For the first time under Edwardes there was a clear call for unlea llational action. The task facing shop stewaras was lo convince the membership that this year Conte tackle Edwardes without an immediate sell out by Longbridge, Birmingham ASTMS To