Viable wages
Page 45
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Colin Burrows (CM March 26) is indeed fortunate to be employed by a multi-national company. However, I differ with him regarding his remark that "There are plenty of jobs in Middlesex where a driver does not have to break the law to make a decent wage." Neither in Middlesex nor nationally does this apply.
In some areas there are few companies prepared to pay a viable wage. The rest, and they are numerous, take advantage of the present unemployment problem and engage in cowboy tactics. Some, especially tipper operators, have carrot and donkey productivity schemes based on a low basic wage.
Furthermore, Colin's remark that good jobs are compatible with trade union membership is not wholly valid although a very strong case can be made out for it.
I have been an active trade unionist for over 20 years and was employed by one company for 12 years. London-based and known nationally, they did not require a union card as a condition of employment; yet their wages and conditions were far ahead of any in the country and still are today.
M. FOGARTY, Reading.