The Ambridge Socialist
30th March
The Archers has a problem with trade unions
Once upon a time the Archers had Union Reps. The first was Neil Carter, then came Mike Tucker. Then came nothing. Despite representations from what is now Unite, trade union is a term never mentioned in the Archers.
It has been relevant this week because Clarrie and Susan were in a selection pool of two with one job being available and one redundancy. It appears there was no voluntary redundancy agreement in place at the Dairy- no union after all. It’s not really clear why interviews were needed as the selection criteria were known and both workers were well known to the employers side- Pat and Helen.
Whoever is not selected is then be at risk of redundancy unless suitable alternative work can be found, and a series of consultations started. Representation by a union rep or a friend is appropriate.
It might be queried why such a small employer would recognise a union or at the least encourage union membership. Perhaps because as Pat has recently reminded she has a history on the left and might be expected as an employer to do the right thing.
Despite giving the best interview and therefore it must be taken fulfilling the criteria, Clarrie was selected for redundancy. Time to boycott the Dairy
Joy, Rochelle & Mick
Rochelle has returned and once again is staying with Joy and Mick. Understandably Mick is perplexed and Joy explained to him some of her back story which included an unfaithful husband. Unfortunately Rochelle’s backstory doesn’t match. To be continued
Emma stays on as a Parish Councillor
Following her leading role in calling out Borchester Water, Mick has apologised for making a complaint about her and she is staying on as a Parish Councillor. Democracy in action. Or at least it hasn’t given the local Faragists a chance to try and fill the vacancy
Lynda’s Larma has expired
Constanza has departed through over eating of grass. Alistair the vet has pronounced this as normal. It did however get Lynda and Khalil to bond over their back stories which are perhaps more profound than those of Joy and Rochelle
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