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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 16, 1977)
Page 2 THE BATTALION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1977 Opinion/Commentary/Letters German workers help manage By HANS-ULRICH SPREE COLOGNE, WEST GERMANY — Last March, when the West German legislature passed a law amplifying the right of employes to share in the running of their com panies, one member of the parlia ment described the new act as “the most far-reaching in the world.” The statement may have been somewhat exaggerated, as speeches by politicians everywhere some times are. But the decision to in clude workers in the executive pro cess was a unique step, and it has contributed to the enormous suc cess of West Germany’s industrial machine. For it has removed the element of confrontation from the relationship between labor and management, and introduced a spirit of coopera tion that seeks to promote the best interests of both parties —- as well as the progress of the country as a whole. Thus workers and their bosses do not squabble continually, as they do elsewhere in Europe and perhaps in the United States. Moreover, busi ness prospers because little time is wasted in disputes. We have even seen the powerful labor unions agree to hold down their demands for wage increases so that corporations can make larger Slouch by Jim Earle “NOT EXACTLY STUNNING, OR ATTRACTIVE, OR FASHIONABLE, BUT CERTAINLY RUGGED.” capital investments and thereby create new jobs. To understand how the system operates, it is important to realize that West German corporations, un like American companies, do not have large boards of directors and numbers of vice-presidents. They are run, in general, by small teams of executives who retain most of the management responsibilities for themselves. The effective management of the huge Volkswagen Corporation, for example, has been in the hands of nine men. It was these men who reached the recent decision to build a Volkswagen plant in the United States. Companies like Volkswagen also have supervisory boards elected by stockholders. But these boards are not supposed to interfere in the day-to-day activities of the corpora tion. They are supposed to approve or reject overall policies. And they appoint the managers, usually for a period of five years. The new law does not alter this separation of functions between the managing directors and the supervi sory board. But it stipulates that, by 1978, the supervisory boards of all enterprises with more than 2,000 employes must be composed half by representatives of the stockholders and half by labor spokesmen. Implicit in this legislation is rec ognition of the fact that labor is a form of capital, and that workers should consequently have as much a voice in shaping corporation strategies as those who have put money into the company. The recent law was not the first move in this development. As far back as 1952, workers were brought into the executive branch in the iron, steel and mining industries. It was observed from that experi ence that the workers primarily played a role in two kinds of deci sions. They exerted their influence in the selection of members of the supervisory boards. And they spoke up on personnel and social prob lems. To put it more simply, they ex pressed their views on working hours, safety conditions, medical care, vacations and the like. But they were not deeply involved in determining the types of machinery that a factory might install or whether that equipment ought to be modernized. Nor did they intrude into commercial and financial judg ments. My own feeling is that, with the enlargement of worker participa tion, labor will continue to play only a limited part in industrial manage ment. But that part will be impor tant, since it will inhibit company directors from initiating measures that might provoke conflicts. The system of cooperation be tween labor and management is possibly more important at the upper echelons of the country, where someone like Heinz-Oskar Vetter, chairman of the nation’s unions, deals on amiable terms with Hans Martin Schleyer, the presi dent of the German employers as sociation. Vetter frequently praises industry for its awareness of labor’s prob lems. Not long ago, Schleyer con gratulated the unions for their “con tributions to the stability and health of the economy.” That these cats and dogs have learned to live peacefully with each other is due largely to the govern ment headed by Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, a Social Democrat. For he has succeeded in placating labor without alienating management. When he visited the United States last summer, for instance, Schmidt took both Vetter and Schleyer along with him. This cooperative arrangement has become institutional because it is successful, and it is successful be cause it has become an institution here in West Germany. So whichever political party comes to power in the future, it is certain to continue. Off-campus housing not ha (Spree specializes in economic and social problems for the Deutschlandfunk, the West German radio network.) Editor: If 22,000 Aggies live off-campus, it cannot be all that bad!. In fact, living away from the campus has many advantages that the majority of us readily forget. New construction in Bryan and College Station, that now offers ample off-campus housing, is one such advantage. (Dormitory dwel lers do not share in this good for tune; their limited space will not change, because the administration expects a decrease in enrollment starting in 1980.) Off-campus students also have a variety of accommodations from which to choose, including apart ments, houses, duplexes, mobile homes, boarding houses and even living with families. Depending on the type of hous ing picked, a student can live more cheaply off-campus than on if he is frugal. Although most apartments range from $75 to $150 per person, you can live under $100 a month. Eat frugally too, on $40-$60 month ly, and you will save almost $200 a semester. Despite the merits of off-campus housing, there are additional re sponsibilities the day student must handle. To help him, the Office of Student Affairs carries an “Apart ment Guide” and sponsors the Hassle-Free program, a liaison be tween Texas A&M University and the off-campus student in his resi dence. —Deb Kilgore, ’79 sm Let’s break the cycle Editor: Let us assume, for whatever rea son, you, your friends, and family are seeking new territory — a new place to live or at least stay for awhile. After a fairly lengthy search and tiring journey you come to an area that offers some protection from the weather and elements and actually remains warm during chill ing winter nights. How easy would it be to make you leave to search for another place without the assurance such ^n ideal place even exists elsewhere? Could you be frightened away? Would you leave at the threat of death? Any analogy breaks down eventu ally, but this is essentially the situa tion of the birds on campus. The stored warmth of the buildings which radiates at night and the pro- I v partr Will each Un ricult Fores one ! to be returi W. presn fiscal Creative spirits need more outlets The Battalion Opinions expressed in The Battalion arc those of the request Address: The Battalion, Room 216, Reed editor or of the writer of the article and arc not neces- McDoria W Bui,din *- Colle S e Station ' Texas 77843 sarily those of the University administration or the , Un,ted Press International is entitled exclusively to Board of Regents. The Battalion is a non-profit, self- the , use for reproduction of all news' dispatches cred- supporting enterprise operated hy students as a uni- \ ted to ,f ' R,Rh , ts of reproduction of all other matter eersity and community newspaper. Editorial policy is Rerein reserved. Second-Class postage paid at College determined hy the editor. Station, Texas. LETTERS POLICY MEMBER letters to the editor shotild not exceed 300 words c Texas ress Association and are subject to being cut to that length or less if Southwest journal.sm Congress longer. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit Editor Jerry Needham such letters and does not guarantee to publish any Managing Editor James Aitken letter. Each letter mttst be signed, show the address of Assignments Editor Rusty Cawley the writer and list a telephone number for verification. Features Editor Lisa Junod 1 Address correspondence to Letters to the Editor, News Editor Debby Krenek The Battalion, Room 216, Reed McDonald Building, News Assistant Carol Meyer College Station, Texas 77843. Photography Director Kevin Venner Represented nationally by National Educational Sports Editor Paul Arnett Advertising Services, Inc., New York Citv, Chicago 1 or ■; t ®' ,e Rel * and Los Angeles. Reporters George Maselli, Paul —-—— — McGrath, Lynn Rossi, John Tynes, Lee Roy Leschper Mail subscriptions are S16.75 per semester; $33.25 Jr., Mary Hesalroad, Jan Bailey per school year; $35.00 per full year. All subscriptions Asst. Photo Editors Tracie Nordheim, subject to 5% sales tax. Advertising rates furnished oji Mike Willy By COLIN CROMBIE What can poets do? On campus. Apart from unimplemented suggestions directed at such “sus pect” personalities, there is little available. For credit, poets can consider one English course, English 325 (Creative Writing). The reason is probably their own disinterest in organizing. The Aggie image is hardly a bard seeking his muse, but the adminis tration cannot be accused of sup pression. Conservatism, however, is grounds for complaint. One said Ms. Maryanne Cepheid Variable. Herzig of But poets and others, do not de spair! There is some incentive for your art. The trouble is, you’ll have to wait another year. pleased the artistic last September 22 with a centerpage spread of poetry and photography. tective roosts around roofsatti is an attractive setting to these dering creatures. At least thd sires and needs are compare! human (your and my) needsat! sires. But because the birds hare perfected the art of expedient!) posing of their excrement atl not keep their bodily function litely private, we must banishi for they threaten our civilly pose their droppings arear terrution to the calculated aal mented natural beauty of tlifi pus. But it seems a bit absud the birds are so out of place ats carefully landscaped instill where even trees are givenra eration when sidewalks are poured. (But then, thep film and pea gravel slabs areii tect us from a premature reta the dust, which forms mud wet.) I am not sure, however, disturbs me more or morel tively interrupts my attracts this academic environmei! periodic accumulations ol droppings or occasional enra with bird carcasses (birds pe cally dropping). Perhaps we could havep with the sewageless birds longer — until spring when suitable roosting and Si grounds are available or uni mer when the muggy heat lege Station is about as attradi birds as to people. Whafs done, but the cycle may noth s ] )e ]t ken ' ' Gii n For improvement there is the Writing Lab in Building F. There Mr. Ray Leighman said he offers help and criticism to beginners in personal creation and technical skills. Books, tapes and other mate rials are used, but Mr. Leighman said the Writing Lab is better suited to prose than poetry. Readers’ forum example—of writing other than poetry—concerns Cepheid Vari able, the MSG science fiction com mittee. Cepheid Variable Once published a fanzine, “Stanley.” Because of a profanity, “Stanley” was stopped after 18 issues in the fall of 1974, For recreation there is no campus organization specifically for poets. Agreed, they are a minority, but other minorities have organized. Make Texas A&M University HAPPY COTTAGE DIRECTORY Your Gift Headquarters For Any Occasion 809 E. 29th (3 Blocks from City NotT Bank) The Arts Committee of the MSG presents an annual Poetry and fic tion contest. This semester it is also publishing “Moebius, an arts magazine for poetry, prose, art and photography. The deadline for the contest and the magazine was Feb ruary 1. So now you can prepare for next year. “Moebius shall probably reappear if there is enough response this semester, said Mr. Ken Dim- mick, chairman of the Arts Commit tee. When it comes out, go forth and demand. Every one, everyone. The editor later noted (October 21) that “Creative work is consid ered for inclusion in The Battalion on an individual merit basis.” One poem has since been good enough. This was ‘“Twas the Night Before Finals” by Charlie Wampus which appeared on December 15. A light-hearted parody but neverthe less a poem. Being printed in the middle of finals week it is doubtful that it received much exposure or attention. Something else of sufficient merit for publication may turn up if there are enough contributions. On the other hand, there is The Battalion. Should it attempt to please all minorities on campus? It So, poets (and others who are concerned), write, contribute, or ganize. Readers Forum Guest viewpoints, ini tion to Letters to the Eit Aci riveal Sti to ment list'd A about shoul work: If help, payre Th base i Appc ing! Sii to ge takei tax p A: a chi Tc have stitu the page and A are welcome. All pieces mitted to Readers’ ft should he: • Typed triple space • Limited to 60 characters) line • Limited to 100 lines Submit articles to!* McDonald 217, College! tion, Texas, 77843. Aulh I name and phone numbera accompany all submissions I A com ceiv Add an triumphs. ode to the Aggies’ u ftfpfnam $2.50 ANNOUNCING Available at Student Publications Office ENTERTAIN YOUR GUESTS, SEND TO ANONYMOUS FRIENDS OR BRIGHTEN YOUR BATHROOM WITH NEW BATHROOM CRACK-UPS, AMERICA'S NEWEST COLLEGE CRAZE. COLORFUL SLIP ON COV ERS ARE MADE OF LONG LASTING WASHABLE HEAVY DUTY CANVAS IN MAROON AND WHITE. YOUR CHOICE OF SLOGAN FOR INSIDE LID. NOT SOLD IN STORES. There IS a difference!!! PREPARE FOR: MCAT# DAT# LSAT# SAT GRE • GMAT • OCAT • CPAT • VAT Over 38 years of experience and success. Voluminous home study materials. Programs that are constantly updated. Centers open days & weekends all year. Complete tape facilities for review and for use with supplementary materials. 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