'Too fast’ worker gives up

Press, 23 October 1978, Page 7

'Too fast’ worker gives up

NZPA-Reuter London A factory machine operator who was ostracised by his colleagues because he worked too hard has accepted a pay-off of $12,000. Mr Michael Miller, aged 42, who spent five weeks on suspension with full weekly pay of about $2OO, has resigned for the sake of his health and his family. The row began when 31 fellow piece-workers at the Frome, Somerset, works of J. W. Singer and Sons, who make pressings and dye castings, decided to place a ceiling on operator’s earnings. They alleged that Mr Miller had an unfair advantage, because an old shoulder injury meant that he worked on lighter machinery. He refused to accept the men’s decision, claiming it would cut his weekly wages by about $35, and the others threatened to strike rather than work with him. Mr Miller returned to work 13 days ago in accordance with an agreement reached between the firm and the union, but he became ill and had to be taken home. He consistently maintained that the other operators could reach his level of earnings with the same effort and overtime. In a statement, Mr Miller said he had resigned because the dispute had had an adverse effect on his health.