HC Deb 05 July 1950 vol 477 cc470-2
42 and 43. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware that a strike has been in progress at Mill Reef Properties, Antigua, since the beginning of May; that it arose when the management refused negotiation with the Antigua Trades and Labour Union after the victimisation of a union official who inquired into a worker's dismissal; that over 75 per cent. of the workers then struck work; that even after the intervention of the Federal labour officer the company refused to make any agreement with the union or to negotiate direct with union representatives; and what action has been taken by the Federal labour officer of the Government of the Leeward Islands;

(2) whether he is aware that by refusing to negotiate and sign agreements with union representatives except at the request of the Federal labour officer, the Mill Reef Properties Limited of Antigua has acted contrary to the normal custom of the island; and whether he will take steps to ensure that all foreign companies are informed that they are expected to conform to the normal standard of labour relations in the island.

Mr. J. Griffiths

As my hon. Friend said on 28th June, the company is prepared in future disputes to act in accordance with normal labour relations procedure. I have no information about the proportion of workers who struck but on the other points my information is as follows. The company did refuse to discuss the matter with the Union before the strike. The Federal labour officer arranged two meetings in his office between the Mill Reef contractor and the union immediately after the strike began at the beginning of May. The allegation of victimisation is not proved. The company made proposals at the second meeting to meet the employees' requests, and agreed to the Federal labour officer preparing a memorandum of points agreed upon in discussion between the company and the union for confirmation by both parties and record in the Labour department as an alternative to a written agreement. The position is still difficult, but the labour officer is attempting to conciliate the parties.

Mr. Hynd

As the answer on 28th June did not make it clear that this was a change of policy on the part of the American company, may I now take it from today's reply that this company will. in future, be prepared to negotiate and sign agreements as do all the British companies in the Islands?

Mr. Griffiths

I have said that the company is prepared, in future, to act in accordance with the normal labour relations procedure.

Mr. A. Fenner Brockway

Will my right hon. Friend see that the statement made on his behalf last week, that racial discrimination is not endorsed by the Government, is given publicity in these Islands?

Mr. Griffiths

If I reaffirm that statement, I hope it will be given due publicity.