Wait for PIB

10th November 1967, Page 87

10th November 1967

Page 87

Page 87, 10th November 1967 — Wait for PIB

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report, Mrs. C.

tells BRS staff

MRS. CASTLE has turned down an appeal by the TGWU to allow the recently negotiated pay rise for BRS clerical and supervisory staff to stand.

In a letter to Mr. W. J. Walsh, secretary of National Association of Clerical and Supervisory Staffs (a TGWU subsidiary), Mrs. Castle says she fully understands members' disappointment at the delay. "But you will no doubt realize that the reference to the National Board is concerned with increases in costs which may lead to higher charges if the additional costs cannot be offset by greater efficiency.

"In effect, you are asking that the Government should give precedence to your particular claim before there has been an opportunity to consider the NBPI's general advice on costs in the industry. Such action would clearly give rise to difficulties, as appearing to prejudice the outcome of the NBPI's review...."

Mrs. Castle continues: "I note what you say about similar claims in other nationalized transport bodies, but (quite apart from the question whether comparisons between these very different industries are now valid under the Incomes Policy) in none of the cases you mention was the industry the subject of the reference to the National Board at the time the increases were sanctioned."

The unions concerned are considering further action.