Strike threat looms at Austin Rover

Strike threat looms at Austin Rover

AUSTIN ROVER'S 28,000 car workers are to be asked to give their union leaders a mandate to call a strike over a two-year pay offer worth 7-8 per cent this year and 7-2 per cent next.

A conference of more than 100 plant delegates, union officials and shop stewards decided in Coventry to hold meetings on Thursday of the whole workforce. They want a one-year deal and an extra £22 a week. The offer would take the basic weekly pay of an average worker from £116- 60 to £125-70 on Nov. 1, and to £134-80 in a year's time. But productivity would have to be increased before the full amount is paid.