Union concern on strikes in car industry

THE GUARDIAN
By our Oxford Correspondent

The Oxford district committee of the National Union of Vehicle Builders , which has many members at Morris Motors factory at Cowley. has warned its rank-and-file that it must not take unofficial action unless told otherwise by a senior shop steward or district official.

A spokesman for the British Motor Corporation, welcoming the move, said: " Since the end of April we have lost 1,400 cars at Cowley through unofficial stoppages at the plant , not to mention further losses of production through stoppages at other firms outside B.M.C."

In a circular to members yesterday, the union committee said it was " gravely concerned " about unofficial strikes in the industry and the resulting loss of wages. It was aware of the many problems that were bound to arise because of the nature of the industry.

"But because it is our duty to seek out the best possible solution for our members, keep faith with those members dependent on us, we must draw their attention to the provisions for the avoidance of disputes embodied within the engineering agreement."

The committee therefore called upon its members to deal with issues in a constitutional manner and to remain at work while this was being carried out .