FT demands 7% cuts

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Rieg Bnady, MANTISOPIA Fiocnat mhenSunday dinmes ano ГНЕ- fleetEStreeti boşsesı gotlarıbıg iboost mastıweek.. one sofunhe mbestnknownm trendes rando nists o nw ifllee g Sitr emat, i iter ned hism coctom asactntooa za n oiba sanin gau samına il r elatio ns ofificer afer mtrmers Nersipape ns matimA20Ö00ma At that meeting, stewards and convenors from plants that the LAC had not been able to cover took bundles of the broadsheet to distribute themselves.

The response on the shop floor has been enthusiastic.

At Longbridge and Cowley workers stuck up the bulletin's front page as a poster, It undoubtedly had a big effect in swaying the Combine Committee and in motivating rank and file BL workers. But the LAC is stil a small group, and the task facing us at BL is a massive one. The bulletin aloné cost us £70 to produce.

If we're to keep it going on a • regular (hopefully, monthly) basis we need a lot more supporters throughout BL.

The basis for building that support undoubtedly exists. The LAC plans to organise a series of meetings in Oxford, Birmingham, Coventry and Cardiff in the run-up to the November 1 wage review deadline.

Militants in BL who want to fight Edwardes and the sell-out merchants on the union side should contact the LAC for copies of the bulletin and details of meetings and activities.

Leyland Action Commitree, c/o 194 Dawlish Road, Birmingham 29. FINANCIAL Times bosses want a seven per cent cut in wages, or jobs, or both, by the end of October.

This new ultimatum follows the FT's threat to lock out all its printworkers from September 4 and publish 'by any means necessary' probably using its Frankfurt press. The FT, part of the huge business empire headed by Lord Cowdray and also including Penguin Books, Lazard Freres bank, Royal Doulton potteries, etc., is shaping up for a showdown with the unions.

The lock-out threat is in response to a strike notice by NGA machine managers demanding a pay rise. And the 7% cut decree is part of the FT's plans to trim 200 year× Stoky nextiveek. from its 1900-strong workover the next two years. A firm stand by the print unions could rapidly torpedo he FT's threats. NUJ jouralists should refuse to provide copy for the planned scau edition, NATSOPA members to do clerical work. and SOGAT members to distribute it.

But, although NGA fultime officials are currently supporting their FT members, other unions have done nothing. NATSOPA :: the FT has not even called a chapel meeting.

It is clear that if the FI succeeds in beating down the NGA machine minders. mo:: attacks on other FT worke:s will soon follow. And oine: Fleet Street bosses will i= quick on the trail.