The Cine Technician (1943 - 1945)

96 THE CINE-TECHNICIAN July— August, 1943 Organiser's Notebook Laboratory Committee: The General Council have endorsed an application from the laboratory members to re-form the Laboratory Committee. It was felt that such a committee would help to relieve the General Council of routine laboratory business and also do much to consolidate membership in the laboratories. One of the main purposes of the committee during the next few months will be to redraft and amend the present Standard Laboratory Agreement prior to submitting it to the Laboratory . Owners as a basis for discussion in September of next year. We woidd remind those who consider this a long time to wait, that we came to this arrangement in order to obtain an increased cost-of-living bonus for all our members in the laboratories. As you know this bonus is now the same as that paid to members working on the production side of the Industry. The Committee has already got down to work and submitted to the General Council a list of grades (including clerical grades) which are not covered by the present Laboratory Agreement. The rates suggested for these grades have been approved by the General Council and have been placed before the Laboratory Owners and an early meeting asked for to discuss them. British Thomson Houston: Recently I was in Rugby attending a meeting of our members employed in the laboratory and on production at B.T.H. A report was given to the members of our attempts to persuade the Management to observe the terms and conditions of the Standard Agreements. The firm conduct all their negotiations through the Engineering and Allied Employers Leicester and District Association. During the past few months there has been a considerable exchange of correspondence between A.C.T. and that Association. Mr.-Elvin has also paid a visit to Leicester and discussed the matter with the Association. Finally we had a letter from them stating that B.T.H. could not see their way clear to observe the terms and conditions of A.C.T. Agreements. Our members at B.T.H. on hearing of this passed an unanimous resolution calling on A.C.T. to take what action it thought necessary, including representation to the Ministry of Labour, drawing attention to a breach of the. Essential Works Order and subsequent reference, if necessary, to the National Arbitration Tribunal to ensure the observance of fait wages and working conditions to the employees concerned. The matter is now in the hands of the Conciliation Officer at the Ministry of Labour, Birmingham, who appointed a Chairman to preside at a meeting between the employers and ourselves. This meeting has now been held. Certain proposals have been made by the Conciliation Officer which met with A.C.T. approval. B.T.H. are considering them and we are awaiting their observations. Mass Radiography : Most of you must have seen reference to the Mass Radiography scheme in the daily papers. Briefly, it has to do with X-ray examination of factory workers as a means of detecting tuberculosis. Detection of this disease in the early stages simplifies and makes more certain the cure. We know that T.B. is liable to attack those working in unsatisfactory conditions. Lack of air and light help the disease. Experience shows that workers in film laboratories are likely to contract it. Accordingly we have set in motion through the Trades Union Congress and the different health departments of the counties around London the machinery so that all our members in laboratories can have priority of examination when the radiographic units are available. The examinations will be on a factory basis and the employer will be notified of the date. It will be some time yet before arrangements are completed. In their own interests we would strongly advise all our laboratory members to take advantage of this examination when the opportunity arises. Cinematograph Trade Provident Institution: I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Institution on Wednesday, 14th July, at the offices of the Kinematograph Renters Society Ltd. The Institution has done much for our members. Reports show that such of our members as have been in need of convalescence were always welcome and received every care and attention at " Glebelands." I know I was voicing their opinion and the opinion of all our members in recording at the. meeting our sincere appreciation and thanks. A suggestion by the Chairman. Mr. Reginald C. Bromhead, that I should be elected to serve on the management committee was moved, seconded and carried unanimously. It was felt that an official representative of A.C.T. who was also a member of the Institution would have many useful proposals to put forward. Pathe Laboratories. Wardour Street: After extended negotiations, the problem of a satisfactory rest-room for the women and improvements in Washing facilities and sanitary conditions has been settled. It was necessary on one occasion to call in the Factory Inspector. Their conditions at the best of times, working in dark rooms and a humid atmosphere are not to be envied. We must add in all fairness to the new management thai most of the improvements have taken place since the change over. Bert Craik