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What Would the Trade Unions Say?

26th December 1947
Page 47
Page 47, 26th December 1947 — What Would the Trade Unions Say?
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

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VJISITORS to America gain various V ideas of the systems employed to achieve a high output for the labour available in that country. In Britain the Government says the output per person is relatively, good and that it is merely a question of distribution of labour which will help to solve the majority of our problems. Certain points raised by Mr. W. G. Pallett, managing director of the Laycock Engineering Co., Ltd., after an extensive tour, provide food for thought that much Could be done to increase the output per person in our country.

• Canadian Reaction

Mr. Pallet spent eight „weeks in Canada and America visiting Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, St. Catherines, Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago and Minneapolis, returning to this country by way of New York. He was impressed by the kindliness of the Canadians and the friendliness of the Americans, although the latter were not without criticism of the Old Country.

He noted that the Americans and

Canadians work efficiently and hard, and by virtue of the food available are able thoroughly to enjoy their evenings without impairing .their health. All appear to be keen to do the best possible job, thinking out for themselves ways and means for improving their own efficiency.

It is considered smart to do whatever is demanded of them in the shortest possible time. This attitude was very plain, whether it was in the hotel, office. train or factory. If a man in the factory considered he had done a fair day's work before the end of his shift, he would take the remainder of the time off to play cards or read a magazine, without interference from the management.

Things which take days to get done here are accomplished there in a few hours, and it is refreshing to find an attitude of mind which is anxious to give quick and pleasant service instead of the somewhat indifferent service which is often met with in Britain.

Great trouble is taken to employ the little courtesies in life, and as soon as one's name is discovered it is mentioned in a friendly although fitting manner. Many establishments have the names of their officials and clerks attached to their desks, so that it is easy to know to whom you are talking, giving a much freer and friendlier atmosphere.

3 Men : 11 Machines

At one works engaged on manufacturing vehicle components, it was observed that three men were operating 11 machines, not automatic machines; furthermore, this was not an isolated case. The three men were earning high wages, giving good output, and no one would stop them operating double the number of machines if they thought it possible to do so. It is to be wondered how the trade unions of this country would react to such a suggestion and if they would allow their members to operate numerous machines of the nonautomatic type.

The net result of this personal efficiency and high production figures appears to be that cots are lowered, the prices of products are kept down, and people are able to buy the things which others have made so cheaply.


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