A.B.U. YOUTH CONFERENCE 1964 by Dave Ablitt
The A.E.U. hold its 21st Annual Youth Conference at Bournemouth over 19-20 March, The Conference is traditionally inclined to the loft and this year's conference proved to be no exception. The 48 dolegates, representing the union's 70,000 youth members, were sin a militant mood.
A resolution calling for pay increases to give apprentices 60% to 90% of the skilled rate, according to age, was carried without dissent, Only one speaker opposed the suggestion of strike action, which many delegates called for, This resolution has been passed by the Conference for many years, but the executive has had little success in its negotiations with the employers, Indeod, the B.C. has been successful as it has been militant. The only significant increase for apprentices was a result of the strike in 1960. Delegates made this point forcibly.
The call for strike action was again heard from the mover of a resolution domanding "a charter for young engineering workers." This was a comprehensive resolution calling for the 35-hour week, 4 weeks paid holiday, the establishment of factory training committees, and a procedure agreement for apprentices.
Hugh Scanlon, for the executive, argued that the delegates were too critical of thoir executive council and officials. The employers were the main enemy. He said that the E.C.'s duty was to pursue the demand for the 40-hour week for all engineers rather than a 35-hour week for one section. “hile his assertion that the employers were the principal enemy was undoubtedly correct, he failed to enthuse the youth on the role played by their E.C. The resolution wes carried with one abstention.
The Thursday afternoon session began with Tony Greenwood speaking on behalf of the Labour Party. He exposed the role of the Tory Government and outlined Labour's plans. His speech was well received and appreciated by the Conference.
The Conference continued in its radical manner, and before its conclusion, committed itself to demanding: the nationalisation af industry, expansion of oducational facilities, comprehensive schools and an investigation by the next Labour Government into the examination system with a view to its abolition, 4-year apprenticeships, negotiating rights for apprentices, and stricter enforcement of safety precautions. Particularly noteworthy was the high standard of the contributions and the aBcGnce of personal bitterness wor factionalisn.