Those Unofficial Strikes
Page 46
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE strike weapon, as it is so often called. is. like any other, dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced, and is, unfortunately, more often employed for aggression than for defence. Years ago. when it may have been considered the only defence against hard-hearted employers, its use before negotiation may have been in some ways justified. but today it should be a last resource, after all other possible means have been exhausted.
The ill effects of an industrial stoppage may last for many months after the event, for until then any gain in wages is probably offset by the losses, and the employers concerned, having also experienced extensive reductions in production, are in a poorer financial situation to meet the increases.
Even more disastrous, from the points of view of both parties, can be the unofficial stoppage. possibly indulged in by only a few workers, as has occurred recently. Then, thousands of fellow members of their union. and probably those of others, may, through no fault of their own, be thrown out of work, in which case they are inclined bitterly to resent the action of the few. Here again large production schedules can be completely upset by a comparatively small number of the disgruntled. The motor industry has suffered grievously from such irresponsible action.
Appeals have been made to the Trades Union Congress to take strong action against certain of such unofficial movements, and it is significant that recently a member of the General Council, Sir Tom Williamson, told the T.U.C. that the stoppages were caused by shop stewards in complete violation of working agreements, and sometimes before their union executives even knew that disputes existed. He added: " We stand, as we have always stood, for the sanctity of the agreements to which we have put our signatures. It would be a sorry day if we ever departed from that principle." Additionally. he undertook, on behalf of the General Council, that serious attention on a priority basis would be given to the whole situation.
It is to be hoped that this undertaking will be carried out in the strongest manner possible, for these sporadic strikes are a menace almost amounting to sabotage, whilst amongst their other results is that they undermine the strength of the unions and reflect upon their good names.