world of work

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Nov 21, 1999

Ford 15% deal to set standard A 15% pay rise and benefits package negotiated by unions representing workers at Ford Motor plants in Britain is expected to set a standard for union negotiators at other manufacturers. Ford's 28,000 auto workers start voting this week on last Monday's agreement.

It includes a three-year pay rise of 11.1%, a work week cut from 39 to 37.5 hours and improved benefits. The total package amounts to a 15.2% increase in compensation. The average production worker's weekly pay will grow over three years from #366 to more than #406. Improved pension benefits will be worth an additional #1300 a year. The United States car-maker also agreed to a maternity allowance.

The package is the first three-year pay deal negotiated between Ford and British unions. It is the first time in 17 years that the company has agreed to a shorter work week at its factories in Britain.

Air rage probed

ONE in four business passengers has witnessed air rage, according to a survey published last week. The travel information firm OAG surveyed 3,000 executives worldwide who said they had seen verbal and physical outbursts on flights. It found that the businessmen averaged 46 years of age, took 21 business trips a year and spent 48 nights annually in hotels.

Power for 2000 Many United States firms are taking unusual precautions to avoid potential problems over the millennium computer bug.

Electricity producers will make extra power available. Southern California Edison is preparing to have an additional 800 workers staffing power substations and generating plants.

The Federal Reserve has printed $50 billion in extra currency to avoid any shortages that could cause financial panic, and major corporations are avoiding financial moves at the end of the year that could leave them exposed to disruptions.

Winners' dinner

THE winners of this year's Entrepreneurial Exchange awards will be named at a gala dinner in Glasgow on November 30. First Minister Donald Dewar will be guest of honour at the ceremony to be held in the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. The Entrepreneurial Exchange works to raise the profile of entrepreneurs and highlights their importance within the Scottish economy.

Killer employers Employers admit they ask a "killer" question during job interviews, such as "Tell me a joke", a report said last week. They also ask potential recruits if they would be prepared to lie in the interests of their job.

A survey of 500 employers by secretarial recruitment specialists Office Angels showed most asked an unexpected question to encourage interviewees to think on their feet. Other unusual posers include: "What was the question you didn't want me to ask you?" and "Give me three things to remember you by".

The three main areas where interviewees fail to impress are inappropriate dress, arrogance and monosyllabic responses. Almost half of all employers said that interviewees had been late without apologising.