Interview about working at McCorquodales, unions and the 1959 strike.
Len Squire recalls that pre and post WWII, work was less plentiful for both men and women, and those who had employment feared getting the sack.
His father was the first secretary of the union when it was formed at McCorquodales, in 1918. It was known as the Printing Unions’ Trade Federation and at that stage was not very strong. He remembers McCorquodales would give a bonus of £2 to £3 to their employees, but that this was gradually phased out, perhaps being incorporated into other payments. He also recalls that Mr. Meacham the manager at that time would usually grant only one quarter of wage demands, but, although he paid poorly, he was likeable. Negotiations for overtime, wages and conditions were usually conducted nationally between the union and the Associate Printers body on behalf of the employers. However, during the war the union negotiated a ten shilling rise locally.
During the war trenches were dug at the back of the factory for use during air raids. The unions complained that they were open to rain and snow and workers should be allowed to go home. Len Squire put forward the idea of covering them with roofing felt and this suggestion was adopted by the management.
There was a Social Welfare Club that organised children’s parties, pensioner outings and held collections for the long-term sick.
Although the unions became stronger relations between them and the management were excellent. In 1959 a strike was called for higher pay and the workers continued doing overtime until the night of the strike. After six weeks they returned and worked overtime to clear the backlog.
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