behp0222-peter-plouviez-summary
SIDE ONE
Born 1931, East London. Various schools during the war years, passed matriculation [exams]. Started working on a fruit farm (casual labour) 1947, then became a shop assistant/manager, then a collector’s clerk at 30 shillings [£1.50] a week. 1949 National Service in the Royal Sussex Regiment (becomes a corporal); came out, signed on [at a Labour Exchange for National Assistance – benefits] and was sent to the South East Gas Board as a sort of clerk. Stayed there for about two years, joined NALGO [National Association of Local Government Officers trade union]; when he was 22, came to London and got a job with Prudential Insurance, paid £7 or £8 a week. Became vice-chairman of the ‘Pru’ branch of the Guild of Insurance Officials; after some four years asked to work for the National Union of Bank Employees; stayed there for about two years.
Joined Actor’s Equity as an Assistant Secretary with a responsibility for administration. Stood for St Marylebone [in an election] against Quintin Hogg. He was also a councillor in St Pancras. When Gerald Croasdell left Equity, he became the General Secretary.
SIDE TWO
He talks about his early years as General Secretary and the problems of having a Council with 70 members and the running of the union. He tried to get some form of restructuring for the union but failed, but he feels it will eventually come about. He talks in general terms about Trade Unions, and their place in today’s society and the possibilities of amalgamation.
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