Available online
Description
The programme observes the sensitive negotiations between unions and management about a sudden threat of redundancies at an electronics factory in 1972.
The programme observes the sensitive negotiations between unions and management about a sudden threat of redundancies at an electronics factory in 1972.
| Module code and title: | T243, Systems organisation: the management of complexity |
|---|---|
| Item code: | T243; 08 |
| First transmission date: | 06-08-1980 |
| Published: | 1980 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:46 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Ian Rosenbloom |
| Contributors: | Rob Paton; Jack Reucassel |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Change; Communications (at work); Conflict; Control; Industrial disputes; Management; Negotiations; Systems; Unions |
| Footage description: | Opening shots show the interior of Plessey's electronics factory in Poole. In voice-over Rob Paton explains that controversy has arisen over the management's plans to bring in an outside consultancy (A.I.C.) to examine productivity. Jack Reucassel, the works convenor, is seen in a preliminary meeting with David Halsall, the personnel manager, about the possibility of the unions meeting management later that day to discuss the union's grievances. Shots of Halsall conveying details of the proposed meeting by phone to Ted Edwards, Manufacturing Manager. Film of another meeting between Halsall and Reucassel, in which they consider discussion items for the main meeting planned for that afternoon. Reucassel states the union's grievances at some length. These involve fears of redundancies if A.I.C. conduct their survey and details of a forthcoming pay rise. Brief shots of personnel department staff planning what to do next. Film of Reucassel meeting the leader of the staff unions about the likelihood of A.I.C. recommending redundancies? Reucassel is seen explaining developments to a large gathering of union members in the factory yard. Shot of Reucassel and fellow trades unionist representatives discussing management's position in relation to A.I.C. Film of the management negotiating team planning their strategy for the afternoon meeting with the unions. Film of the day's big meeting between unions and management to sort out the problems created by the presence of A.I.C. It begins with Reucassel listing union grievances. Edwards then explains why A.I.C. have been called in. Reucassel asks for guarantees that there will be no redundancies. The management team leave the meeting for a short private discussion of what negotiating line to take. They return with the news that A.I.C. have been asked to leave the site. The two sides continue negotiating about whether A.I.C. will return and how the forthcoming pay settlement will be negotiated. The management team again leave for a private discussion, which we observe. After they return the two sides agree on a final compromise and the meeting ends cordially. In voice-over Paton considers the day's events. |
| Production number: | FOUT023H |
| Videofinder number: | 2700 |
| Available to public: | no |
