from Dave Windsor
‘én example of the arrogant and “state-capitalist" attitude prevalent among those circles appointed by various governments to run the nationalised industries was heard at the N.U.G.M.W. conference last week. Fut it came not from an official of a nationalised industry but from one of the union's own officers, Mr. Jack Eccles was replying to a suggestion that a reduction in the working week in the electricity industry should have been used to give the employees an earlier start, and consequently an earlier finish, to the working day, He said that the Electricity Board did not want meter readers Imocking on people's doors at 7.30 a.mein the morning, nor did the consumer (and,I am willing to bet, neither do the meter readers!)- talk about red herrings). But what he said after that was very revealing.
"The more we reduce the hours of work, the more the hours must be essential for the employer," he added, “and this is particularly true in the nationalised industries. It is part and parcel of our contribution to efficiency. I hope this theme can be put across effectively to our membership - the industry is not run for the benefits of the employees. The employee's security is dependent on its efficiency as an industry, and we are very alert to this situation,"
It is to be hoped that propaganda for workers! control will be intensified and that officials like Mr, Jack Eccles will be put uder pressure to change their attitude - or do the other thing,