UPW chiefs stand by as jobs-cut is planned

government.

in the minds of these militants. SELL-OUT FIRST STEPS towards cutting out 1,500 overseas telegraphists' jobs will be taken by the Post Office during the next two months.

By March 1, the corporation wants to split up London's Electra House overseas cable exchange into self-contained management units along lines proposed by a secret Department of Employment report.

Although this measure alone could cut out the need for up to 300 workers-10 per cent of the total labour force at the exchange-it will not be opposed by union leaders.

The Union of Post Office Workers' executive wants • to negotiate a productivity deal.

While they know that subdivision is the thin end of the wedge for full computerization of the service by 1973, UPW want telegraphists to accept it.

THREAT

Computerization is estimated to mean 42-per-cent redundancy in overseas cables nationally; for well over year now, the UPW leadership has Known that some 1,500 out of 4,000 jobs were under threat.

Its overall policy, however, is not to fight the cuts, but demand 50 per cent of wagebill savings in pay increases for its remaining members.

At Electra House, the telegraphists have been asked to separate off subdivision and agree a productivity deal while working out what to claim for the Post Office's other proposals.

The corporation is demanding blanket co-operation with management 'to make such changes in the organization of the service and the deployment and training of staff as they think necessary for the eiliciency and profitability of the service'.

Indications also exist that the Post Office's aim in negotiations will be to establish a pay system close to MeasuredDay Work in the exchange. READERS' MEETINGS Meet Editorial Board speakers. Discuss your Ideas for the expanded paper COVENTRY Sunday January 9 7.30 p.m.

Angel Hotel, Folehlll Rd Speaker :

Alex Mitchell Inesday Januar Queen's Hotel, Rutland St Speaker : lan Yeats NEWCASTLE ursday January 13 7.30 p.m.

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