Steelmen
HE Sheffield conference of Trade Unionists called to discuss the | nationalisation of the steel industry | and workers’ control, continued in | Sheffield last Sunday, with participants from most of the key steel producing areas. It was made clear in the discussion m that the 1949 Act could not provide a basis fpr renationalisation. Exzisting firms, controlled by a State holding agency, would still be able to sabotage Labour’s intentions and frustrate the rationalisation of the industry that is essential if proper control is to be established. Sunday’s meeting again stressed the need to have the greatest element = of workers’ control, while maintaining the independent bargaining role Indeed, it
was thought necessary to establish
the principle that the State Board
should only be allowed to negotiate
with Trade Unions in the industry,
both in respect of white collar and
other workers.
Hostile press reports about this
“unofficial” Study Group’ were
countered by the fact the particip-
ants appear to have been almost en-
tirely officials of the various unions
connected with the industry. Finally,
the meeting stressed the need to pur-
sue the issues discussed in all parts
of the Labour Movement by the
adoption of resolutions pointing out
the inadequacy of the 1949 Act, the
urgency of tackling the problem of
nationalisation, and the need to en-
sure workers’ participation in control
of the steel industry.