Industrial Participation

Ever since the Industrial Revolution got into its stride, economists and politicians have observed that the economy is not producing the level of GNP that it should, and almost without exception, they have argued that the root cause is one of chronic underachievement by non‐managerial employees. In comparatively recent years, the number of strikes have been instanced as an index of the unwillingness of the rank and file employee to pull his weight. “Solutions” have varied, but have centred on one of two hypotheses: either the TUC has too strong a hold over the fortunes of producing organisations, and legislation should be introduced to control union activities; or more control in the management of organisations should be given over to non‐managerial employees. The unfortunate Industrial Relations Act of 1971 is a recent example of the former view; the setting up of the Bullock Commission in 1975 is an example of the latter.