HC Deb 29 October 1984 vol 65 c805W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to the claim submitted by the Gibraltar branch of the Transport and General Workers Union relating to terms and conditions of employment at the proposed commercial shipyard in Gibraltar; whether the claim is compatible with the basis on which United Kingdom aid to the dockyard was promised; whether there is any action he will be taking in this matter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

I understand that the Transport and General Workers Union has presented demands to the management of Gibraltar Shiprepair Ltd. for:

  1. 1. 39 hour week.
  2. 2. Premium payments on basic pay for working shifts and for working Saturdays, regardless of whether or not this was within the normal 40-hour week.
  3. 3. A closed-shop agreement.
  4. 4. A "fair wages clause" giving TGWU the right to veto, at its sole discretion the use of sub contractors or other workers not employed directly by Gibralter Shiprepair Ltd.
  5. 5. Sick leave entitlement to start from day 1 of employment, on a pro rata basis, without any qualifying period.
  6. 6. A redundancy payment scheme comparable to that available from the Ministry of Defence to local workers in Gibraltar.

I am informed that last week the management of Gibraltar Shiprepair Ltd. accepted points 5 and 6 but rejected the other demands. TGWU declared itself in a state of official dispute with Gibraltar Shiprepair Ltd. and subsequently instructed its members to work to rule and to refuse to cooperate. Further discussions between management and trade union are scheduled to take place today. Settling this dispute is a matter for the management of Gibraltar Shiprepair Ltd. and its workforce. As official aid funds and policy are involved, I have made arrangements to be kept fully informed.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to meet the Chief Minister of Gibraltar to discuss the situation at the proposed commercial shipyard which is being funded by British aid, arising from the current work to rule and non co-operation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

Neither I nor my right hon. Friend has any present plans to meet the Chief Minister.