cropper's column Exploitation by labour
Page 79
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NOWADAYS employers bargaining power is so relatively weak as compared to that of employee groups as to compel capitulation on their part rather than bargaining. The situation is almost the exact reverse of 100 years ago when the employers were using every conceivable form of power and threat to drive against trade unions and employees.
These are not my original words. Their importance is that they are an exact quote from a senior Minister in the recent Labour Government. Mr Wilfred Brown, now Lord Brown, in a leaflet just published. Many would agree that they succinctly summarize the present situation in much of British industry. Excessive wage demands are supported by strike action and employers find themselves compelled to concede.
Capitulation is the operative word. When a firm is singled out for special attention by the trade union, it faces enormous difficulties in resisting. It has the strongest economic urge to give in and pay up.
Road transport is in danger of capitulation over the demand for £2.50 for holding an hgv licence. The industry is indebted to those firms in the Midlands who are refusing to pay even though suffering from withdrawal of labour. The thanks of the whole country is really due to them for trying to stem another surge of inflation unfortunately, the vast majority of electors cannot comprehend that the inevitable consequence of large wage demands is more inflation, and indeed they are the main cause of inflation.
Resistance to paying hgv money is made more difficult because of the licensing system. The system itself creates the opportunity for exploitation. It was introduced to promote public safety, but is now being exploited to promote public inflation, and the public might well consider whether the system is that beneficial, on the balance of advantages.
Workers when in dispute are quick to issue appeals for money to enable them to continue the battle. What other course is open to employers except to follow the same line and seek financial assistance from sympathizers? Those in the front line need to be supported by those who have not yet come under attack. A "support fund" has been instituted for helping Midlangl hauliers to sustain their resistance to the £2.50 hgv claim, and this deserves generous donations from hauEers and ownaccount operators throughout the country. When some employers have been found willing to try to withstand the onslaught, it is time for all to rally to support the cause.
Ralph Cropper