| Description | This file contains development and research notes and annotated actuality transcripts. Interviewees include Derek Robinson, union convener at BL's Longbridge factory (who was vilified by sections of the media as 'Red Robbo'), Ron Todd [national organiser at the T & GWU], other union activists and workers within the motor industry at venues including the Longbridge public house, the Cofton public house and Digbeth Civic Institute.
This file provides a perspective on economic, structural and industrial relations matters within the British motor industry. Specific insights are provided into life in west midland car factories. Production processes and activities, workers' attempts to humanise the rigours of the assembly line, union organisation within the factories and staff - management relations are discussed Racism within these factories is also considered. Perspectives on BL's structural and management weaknesses are also given.
4 items of campaigning material are included within the file:
'1980 Yes 1930 No', a leaflet by the West Midlands Regional TUC,
'BL The TGWU 1980 Plan' [for the motor industry],
TGWU Official Dispute notice [considering the dismissal and disciplining of elected union representatives at BL [nd]
'One Out, All Out', a leaflet issued by Longbridge Rank & File Workers of 224 High Street, Deritend, calling for action against the dismissal of Derek Robinson [1979] |