A small but important strugzlo is taking place on the Coleshill Gasworks Site (Nr. Birmingham), which though involves only a small number of workors could have wide ropercussions. I have produced lator in the article extracts from the statements issued by the workers in dispute, but it is necessary to make a few explanatory notes. As readers will know, generally speaking contractirg eloctricians aro a very militant bunch of men, who, by a whole series of struggles,have succeeded in forcing 100% trade unionism and higher wages rates. However there are some blackspots and one of these in the firm mentioned. Owing to the backwardness of many of the men working for them they have resisted unionisation. Therefore, if this struggle is victoriously concluded an important battle will have bcen won and will probably accelerate considerably the process of unionisation of Furse. On the other hand, the employers in the contracting industry have recently been feeling their fost owing to the take over by the right wing in the 3.T.U., and under the pressure of increased competition are generally acting toughur. If Furse succeed other contractors will attempt to follow suit. Herowith extracts from the statement of the strikers:
"This dispute concorns the victimisation of two members of the Union - Brother W. Hill, Stafford branch, and Brother Rooney, Notts South branch. These two brothers were victimised at the above firm (Furse Jlectrical Contractors Ltd.) lionday 29th October. Brother Hill, the elected shop steward, had been instrumental in convening a shop meeting on Wednesday, 24th October, and Brother Rooney had drawn up a set of standing orders which were adopted at the Shop mesting. Two of the points included in the standing orders were (1) a closed shop; and (2) that safety regulations would be strictly adhered to.
"On lionday the 29th, Brother Rooney was instructed to report to Head Office by a charge hand. Tho charge hand told him that on instructions of a lir. Howard he was being transferred to another job. On Saturday the 27th, Brother Hill had been instructed to Head Office, no reason being givene When he reported on lionday 29th, he was given his cards, the reasons stated by the management was that he had held the job up through delaying tactics. ‘hen Brother Rooney reported to Head Office he was asked why he had taken Friday, Saturday and Sunday off work. He produced documontary evidence as to being absent Friday becauso of business (he did not normally work overtime on the Saturday and Sunday). The management examined the evidence produced and then asked why Brother Rooney had not telephoned him concern=ing this matter. Brother Rooney replied that it had entirely slipped his mind. Whereupon he was given instant dismissal, when he further enquired as to whether © his disMissal was due to his militant activities, he was told that his dismissal was upon a directive from the managing director.
"This, Brothers, is clearly a case of blatant victimisation. It isa strange coincidence that both dismissals took place only a few days after the shop mecting. Furthermore, in Brother Rooney's case, he has pointed out that several people have taken days off in recent weeks and no action has been taken by the management. In the case of Brother Hill, doub:s have been expressed by the management as to the legality of his position as shop stewardeceseccesves
" ccccccceeeUntil recently organisation in Furse shops has been weak and it is the wish of the management to keep it liko thetecceccsee”
The union official who has been brought in has shown no great enthusiasm for the fight, and thore will be talks betwcen him and the management next Tesday (iovenbor 6th). I shall report the progress of the struggle.