It seems as though the A.T.T.I. has been the first union to feel the effects of the Government's "early warning system" on incomes; it is probably worth mentioning the circumstances of the case.
A few weeks ago schoolteachers were awarded a rise backdated several months. The amount of the rise averaged about 12 per cente Teachers in technical colleges, largely represented by the Association of Teachers in Technical Colleges, a slightly more militant part of the N.U.T., has had a similar claim in for months. It had been holding out for a bigger increase for some time and the final salary settlement was expected last week. Technical college teachers were wondering whether they'd get 12, 13, or 14 per cent, Instead, there was no settlement, The salary negotiating committee said that it was not sure of its position after George Brown's statement on "early warning system" on incomes, The whole pay claim has been referred back to the First Secretary of State for "clarificatione"
The reaction of most of the staff in at least one big technical college is one of disgust and amazement.