Ford’s avowed ’zero tolerance’ policy on racism was called into
question last month by union claims that local management had failed for
years to address racism.
The Dagenham plant was described as becoming a ’racial tinderbox’, a
situation that Ford’s UK boss, Ian McAllister, blamed on coverage of the
recent industrial tribunal judgment in favour of assembly worker Sukhjit
Parmar. Rebecca Fowler question Ford workers in the Daily Mail
(9/10/99).
She wrote: ’Is Ford racist? The white man says ’no’, and the black man
says ’no comment’.’
Lebanese-born Jacques Nasser became the first Ford president to travel
abroad to meet a trade union leader when he flew in for talks with TGWU
general secretary Bill Morris. The union presented a five-point plan
which was swiftly agreed to, without either side making undue capital
out of the ensuing publicity. However, more problems will arise unless
the agreement is successfully implemented.
Analysis and commentary by Echo Research. Cuttings supplied by the
Broadcast Monitoring Company. Telephone interviews conducted by Audience
Selection.
More information can be found at www.echoResearch.com.
