Morris: warning ministers on two-tier workforces

A senior union leader has warned ministers that they face a real test over the partnership agenda.

Bill Morris delivered a strong message to the government over its commitment to fair pay and conditions in the workplace.

Highlighting concerns that New Labour is too close to big business, the TGWU boss said ministers should "ignore the whinging from the CBI and just do the right thing".

He argued the EU's information and consultation directive would be the acid test of the government's commitment to modern and equitable working practices.

"Frankly, transposition of this directive will determine whether or not the government wises to promote or abandon the partnership agenda," Morris said on Friday.

"You cannot have a meaningful partnership without information and consultation and you cannot have partnership with a two-tier labour market.

He also signalled that grassroots activists felt they were being bypassed by Britain's bosses.

"My members are fed up of hearing first on the local radio that they have lost their jobs," said Morris.

He also called for a "timely debate" on the world economy's slow-down, the crisis in Britain's manufacturing sector and the closure of final salary pension schemes by firms.

"That might be the model of partnership to which the CBI subscribes, but it's doing nothing for productivity and competitiveness," said Morris.