HC Deb 21 December 1960 vol 632 cc170-2W
Mrs. Hart

asked the Minister of Labour what action he is taking to bring to an end the industrial dispute at Caterpillar Tractor, Limited, Tannochside, Lanarkshire, which began on 2nd November.

Mr. Hare

My officers discussed this dispute with the parties immediately the strike started and had a joint meeting with them on 11th November. It was not possible to reconcile the difference which arose from the dismissal of two employees.

I am informed that proposals which would have formed a basis for a return to work were agreed earlier this month by the employer and representatives of

ADULT MALE MANUAL WORKERS
A. Average Weekly Earnings
Dates All Industries covered by Earnings Inquiries* Coalmining Railways† Gas Electricity
s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.
April, 1957 … 241 6 319 9 225 7 229 1 234 4
April, 1958 … 253 2 324 3 235 0 234 6 238 10
April, 1959 … 262 11 312 6 242 0 242 4 253 1
April, 1960 … 282 1 319 3 Not available 248 4 261 9
B. Average Changes in Earnings
Dates (1st April one year to 31st March next year) All Industries covered by Earnings Inquiries* Coalmining Railways† Gas Electricity
Actual Percentage Actual Percentage Actual Percentage Actual Percentage Actual Percentage
s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.
1957–58 … … +11 8 +4.8 + 4 6 + 1.4 +9 5 +4.2 +5 5 +2.4 + 4 6 +1.9
1958–59 … … + 9 9 +3.9 -11 9 -3.6 +7 0 +3.0 +7 10 +3.3 +14 3 +6.0
1959–60 … … +19 2 +7.3 + 6 9 +2.2 Not available +6 0 +2.5 + 8 8 + 3.4
C. Wage Rates
Percentage Increase
1957–58 … … 4.7
1958–59 … … 3.6 Corresponding information for the Nationalised Industries is not available.
1959–60 … … 2.1
* These consist of manufacturing industries generally; mining and quarrying (excluding coal); construction; gas, electricity and water; transport and communication (excluding railways, London Transport and British Road Services); certain miscellaneous services; and public administration.
† Conciliation and workshops grades combined; March in each year.

the unions concerned but were not acceptable to the men.

I am considering what further action my officers can usefully take.

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