New Merger Moves By Bodybuilders
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NEW efforts to amalgamate the three employers' associations in the bodybuilding industry were initiated at the annual conference of the National Employers' Association of Vehicle Builders in Torquay.
The conference adopted a motion by Mr. N. R. Carrington-Bates, of London, that a committee should be formed by the executive council to prepare draft proposals, in consultation with representatives of the other organizations. for amalgamation of the N.E.A.V.B. with the National Federation of Vehicle Trades and the Scottish National Association of Vehicle Builders. A draft scheme for amalgamation should be presented at next year's conference, it was agreed.
Mr. Carrington-Bates suggested that legal and constitutional complications which had caused the failure of past negotiations, could be overcome. Employers in the industry would be more efficiently organized in one body than in three.
Earlier in the conference, the affiliation of the N.E.A.V.B. with the Motor Agents' Association was visualized by Mr. W. Bottoms, chairman of the Nottingham branch. He pointed out that affiliation with the M.A.A. would facilitate the ironing out of differences in wage awards and the times of their introduction.
The two Associations could speak more powerfully as one when wage demands were made, and members would also benefit by an increased safeguarding of trade standards. Mr. P. A. Harding, of Bristol, the retiring president, suggested that the subject should be referred to branches for consideration.
The conference adopted a resolution calling upon the executive committee to give the fullest support to small employers, with a view to development of their businesses. Mr. P. G. Skelton, secretary of Leicester branch, warned that present economic and industrial tendencies appeared to menace many small employers. They were faced either with extinction or absorption by larger organizations.
Discussing the past year, Mr. A. E. Morrish, of Bristol, said that there was now a better prospect of stability in wages. Workmen were pricing themselves out of jobs, and the unions appeared to have seen the red light.
CHINESE ORDER GAINED
AN order for 76 long-wheelbase lorries with heavy-duty equipment suitable for use on undeveloped roads has been placed with the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., by Red China. It is believed to be worth over £75,000 and was negotiated by Metro Motors; Ltd., Hong Kong, Austin distributors, and the Chine se National Transport Machinery Import Corporation, Canton.
The chassis will be supplied for bodies to be built locally.