Unions and strikes

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32567, 29 March 1971, Page 14

Unions and strikes

Sir, —If we are to haye unions in which average workers will participate more, then I believe we must develop factory - centred organisation rather than organisation by type of work alone. Within a factory, people are involved in what happens, often would be interested in discussing it, and would talk with knowledge of the situation. But such a system would need a further reform to work well. It would be vital for workers to own up to 40 per cent of shares in their own factories so that they and the management had a common interest in profitability. I do not know whether one should go beyond 40 per cent—l certainly think too much say in management should not be allowed to pass to a less intelligent section of the community—but just as the Government helped workers own their own houses, so I think it should help them towards owning 40 per cent of their own factories.—Yours, etc., MARK D. SADLER. March 27, 1971.

Sir,—Mr R. H. Stewart’s statement is not to be denied. I have heard it publicly stated that at least 12 union leaders have Communist leanings, which would possibly account for union members being forced into accepting strike action regardless of their personal opinions. It is up to the workers themselves to fight these undemocratic leaders in their unions and demand that they have a democratic vote on whether or not to strike. This is their constitutional right, and if filched from them by Communist pressure groups, would prove to be disastrous to them. They would find their unions had become monsters ready to crush them underfoot at the slight-

est sign of opposition. Communists are past-masters at gaining leadership of the workers for their own ends and not the workers.— Yours, etc., VIGILANT. March 26, 1971.