Workers Killing The Golden Goose?

Chronicle (Levin), 17 August 1948, Page 5

Workers Killing The Golden Goose?

. LONDON, August 16. In a remarkably outspoken leading article in its official journal "Labour," the Trades' Union Coiigress declares that one of the ehief obstaeles.to the improvement in Britain 's production, is the attitude of suspicion and hostiiity on the part of the workers. It says bluntly that concessions such as a shorter working week, more holidays with pay, increased social seeurity benefits and tlie raising of the school leaving age, can only be paid for by increased production. "0-riving with 'l'eservations, will do more to undermine the policy of ful] employment and the new social services, than any direct attack by reactionary employers and capitalists," continues the article. "If, in jthe present economic emergency, our members are not prepared to take risks, then the outlook is dark. If, during a period of full employment, tliey are still looking back over their should ers at the slump of 1931-38 and are determined to agree to nothing that will modify the rules their nnions built up to safeguard their members in times of slump, then plainly full employment will not become a permanent feattire of our national eeonomy." The article makes a strong plea that suitable workers sh-ould be given suitable training to enable them to participate in management and recognises that management is an occupation requirin^ as much technical training as any profession or eraft. It also advocates that nnions should devote more time. and money to furthering research and remarlcs that there is a Iropeful and encouraging development in this direetien al ready. The publication of this outspoken artic'e on the eve of the Trades Union Congress conference, is regardid as significant and as an official ottempt by the ccntral council to impress upon j workers the Uecessity for more production and less quibbling about ! honrs and wa-ges. . |