§ Mr. Victor Yatesasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many clerks are or have been on strike in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively, for recognition of their right to negotiate through the Clerical and Administrative Workers Union, on behalf of clerical grades employed in the steel industry; and how many have been locked out.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI cannot give accurate figures but about 1,300 clerical workers are estimated to have taken or to be taking part in strikes at a number of steel plants. Of these, about 300 have been temporarily suspended by the management.
Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she is aware that the British Steel 188W Corporation have been officially informed by the Clerical and Administrative Workers Union that token stoppages would take place in support of the union's claim for recognition and that when staff have returned to work they have been suspended for taking part in an official dispute; and if she will take urgent steps to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI understand that the British Steel Corporation were so informed and that about 300 employees have been suspended for a short period following a stoppage of work by these employees. I am keeping a close watch on developments in this dispute and will intervene again if this will help.