T.U.C. To Talk On E.E.C.

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32396, 8 September 1970, Page 13

T.U.C. To Talk On E.E.C.

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) BRIGHTON, September 7. The first direct union opposition to Britain’s new Conservative Government is expected to develop at the annual convention of Trades Union Congress (T.U.C.) which will begin in Brighton today.

The 1200 delegates are expected to declare a nearunanimous opposition to the Government’s wage-restraint policies and to its plans for reforming the structure of the trade unions. In particular they are objecting to the Government’s declared intention to hold down pay claims in the public service. A test-case before the Government is the pay-demand being made by sewerage workers, garbage collectors and other public service manual labourers across the country. Yesterday, the four unions involved said that there would be selective strikes if no sat-

isfactory agreement was reached.

The Government has made it clear it will stand behind local authorities in resisting the claims and fighting any resultant strike. If necessary troops will be used to perform emergency services.

It is believed that the Government is keen to set an example to deter potential pay-claims by railwaymen, coalminers and other workers.

The other emotive topic will be the Conservative pledge, made before the General Election last June, to tighten up union laws. The party proposed that contracts on wages and conditions should be made binding on unions in law.

Perhaps the biggest controversy at the congress will be the debate on Thursday on whether Britain should enter the European Economic Community. The Boilermakers’ and the Clerical Workers’ Unions are believed to be sol-j idly opposed to membership, i