Dispatches from the front
Article Abstract:
Bricklayer, Michael Dooley has become a union activist due to the poor treatment he has received from employers. Dooley had his own gang of bricklayers in 1990 but the recession in the construction industry forced him to work alone. He claims to have been exploited, to do more work for less pay and to be vulnerable to dismissal at any time. He fears safety on building sites is at risk and opposes the subcontracting system. Disillusioned with official unions, Dooley is an activist in the Joint Sites Committee and publicised his cause by hijacking a crane in Jun 1992.
Publication Name: Building
Subject: Construction and materials industries
ISSN: 0007-3318
Year: 1992
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Dispatches from the front
Article Abstract:
Steve Pearce owns general building firm, SG Pearce and Sons based in Barnet, North London, England. He has been affected by the recession with a shortage of local authority and school work, delays in payment and extremely low tender prices. Pearce's workforce has reduced from 17 in 1990 to 4 in 1992. Their wages have fallen by between 10 and 25%. The company's turnover has almost halved since 1990 with most of the work now coming from house conversions, extensions and alterations. Pearce remains optimistic about the future.
Publication Name: Building
Subject: Construction and materials industries
ISSN: 0007-3318
Year: 1992
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Dispatches from the front
Article Abstract:
Joe Neville is a self-employed carpenter working on building sites in London, England. He has suffered from the recession and has seen his earnings fall by 50% in two years. He complains of abuse by employers including summary dismissal, low pay and corrupt practices. Neville is disillusioned with the British construction unions and the system which allows self-employed workers to be poorly treated. Neville is Irish and suffers prejudice from banks which makes his financial position more vulnerable.
Publication Name: Building
Subject: Construction and materials industries
ISSN: 0007-3318
Year: 1992
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