Wilson Faces T.U.C. Chiefs

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 13

Wilson Faces T.U.C. Chiefs

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright/ LONDON, May 11. The British Prime Minister (Mr Harold Wilson) is preparing for a confrontation with the leaders of Britain’s trade unions over his Government’s controversial plan to impose penalties for wildcat strikes.

This afternoon, with Mrs Barbara Castle, the Cabinet Minister who prepared the bill, Mr Wilson will meet the leaders of the Trades Union Congress, who are expected to offer the Prime Minister their own plan for securing industrial peace. Informed sources say the plan leaves out any penalties for wildcat strikes. Under the Government plan, an industrial court will be established to impose fines on those who strike in defiance of a 28-day “cooling off” period. The T.U.C. plan, it is believed, merely expects the unions to comply with its awards and recommendations. It is understood that Mrs Castle has warned the Prime Minister that she will resign if the enforcement section of her bill is dropped to secure the support of the unions and backbench Labour M-P.s.

The measure has not only caused dissension within the Labour movement and between the Government and backbench M.P.s, but has resulted in division with the Cabinet

Mr Wilson is reported to be under pressure again from some of his Cabinet colleagues:

to dismiss the Home Secretary (Mr James Callaghan) because on Friday he broke from the ranks supporting the bill.

At a meeting between the Labour Party's executive and the Cabinet, Mr Callaghan, who is a member of both, is reported to have said the Government had not proved the need for the penalty clause.