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regraded to Stenographers. However, there is no time limit on opting, so that there is no pressure on the staff to do so. The remaining 23 SATs are not yet on their maximum salary, and so stand to gain nothing financially at present should they opt.
There have, as you may know, been many hours of direct negotiation between the staff and official sides, and the SATs are aware that the official side will be glad to consider any fresh matters they may care to raise. But, since there is no dispute with some 95 per cent of the Secretarial Class, or with 75 per cent of the Shorthand Audio Typists, it hardly seems to me that arbitration would be appropriate.
Clive Jenkins Esq
General Secretary
Association of Scientific Technical and Managerial Staffs
10-26A Jamestown Road
London NW1 7DT
4
bcc:
JAB Stewart Esq OBE
Hong Kong & General Department, FCO
HRG Hurst Esq
Overseas Labour Adviser, FCO