| Manufacturing workers at the Castle Bromwich plant threw out a string of new measures demanded by owners Tata to improve productivity and exploitation. The workers voted 64% against and 36% for new management proposals. The plans, including compulsory Saturday working, increased productivity, a new drugs and alcohol testing policy, moves to reduce short-term absence and a reduction in annual manpower labour costs, were rejected by 1,153 against to 756 votes in favour. Tata, the Indian monopoly that owns Jaguar are said to be threatening its commitment to a £200 million investment, including a new body shop, model replacements including the new “F” type, and 1,000 new jobs. Tata’s capital and its well-being, its growth was at the centre of all decisions and anti-social drive for productivity, they want jobless recovery as part of their profile in the "return of manufacturing." It shows that capital centred economics, whether it is austerity or growth are not based upon a genuine pro-social alternative. Tata is designing its exploitation plans within the current political agenda and the workers are opposing it. This proves that recovery and a return to manufacturing under the control of owners of capital are based on what serves capital and its well-being, growth and dominance, and not the well-being of the people and the general interests of the economy and society. The Unite union said a new round of discussions would be held with management. Des Quinn, Unite regional official, said: “Both Unite and the company are disappointed with the result and will continue discussions to see how we can move Castle Bromwich forward in order to secure its long-term future and the jobs of our members.” Jaguar’s Nick O’Donnell said: “The trade union representatives and the Castle Bromwich management team will continue discussions on these proposals.” But a Jaguar worker, said: “A lot of people here are happy that this has been rejected. We were fearing the worst because we thought a lot of temps would vote for it. We are not sure where we will now go with this. It’s right back to the drawing board.” The joint union and management blueprint for the efficiency drive, called “New Product Proposal”, had warned: “We share the view that investment and increased volume is required for the long-term sustainability of the plant.” Jaguar and Land Rover sold 805 cars in April, 56 per cent up over April 2011 and Land Rover 2,925, 46 per cent up. The company wants to go further and maximise its profits at the expense of workers’ jobs by making overtime on Saturday’s compulsory and increasing production through existing labour. Owners of capital like Tata are demanding concessions from workers, both those currently employed and others when they return to work, and a destruction of all established social norms. (Birmingham Mail) |