[Report 1972] / Medical Officer of Health, Stretford Borough.

  • Stretford (England). Borough Council.
Date:
1972
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1972] / Medical Officer of Health, Stretford Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    15/98 (page 13)
    furniture during the actual work of improvement, the avail¬ ability of loans to supplement the amount of grant, and the architectural agency service to furnish drawings, obtain con¬ sents and supervise workmanship and materials. INDUSTRIAL UNREST Management problems in the Refuse Collection Service arose from dissatisfaction amongst the workers at the level of bonus earnings and the ensuing dispute which, although handled sympathetically and logically by the employing Committee, degenerated into a defiant attitude on the part of a section of the men. Whereas several men remained loyal to the Department and continued working, others resorted to strike action and neglected their duties, led by a newly appointed shop steward, lacking in experience. The unrest and intermittent picketing continued to the end of the year under review when twenty-six men were dismissed for refusing to fulfil the reasonable instruc¬ tions of management. The difficulties escalated to this point despite use of the conciliation machinery and in spite of an undertaking by the Council to obtain an independent assess¬ ment of the existing bonus scheme and an interim increase in the level of bonus paid pending the anticipated feasibility study. The Trade Union up to this point had been most unhelpful and did not appear to be giving any sound guidance to the men nor taking any steps to discourage the irregular practices and open defiance in which the militants were indulging. In the light of the dismissals, however, the Trade Union called for a meeting at officer level and as a result an agreement was signed on 5th January, 1973 whereby the dismissed men were re-engaged with continuity of service and conditions, provided they continued normal working whilst negotiations proceeded. A clause was also included to prevent any victimisation of, or discrimination against any employee. It was further stated that discipline would be maintained by management. A formula for the collection of back-log on the refuse collection rounds was proposed by the Joint Secretaries of the North Western Provincial Council and accepted by both parties to the dispute. The continued help and encouragement of Members of Health Committee and Town Council is gratefully acknow¬ ledged, not only in the situation described above but also in the implementation of the many duties relating to environ¬ mental health. Thanks are also extended to officers of other Departments for ready co-operation and assistance, and to members of my own staff for their steady application to the aims of the service and for their loyal support in times of stress. Yours obediently, J. KAY, Chief Public Health Inspector.