Socialist Press no. 247

SOCIALIST

PRESS

Affiliated to the Trotskyist International Liaison Committee

IRISH WAR

ERUPTS IN

LABOUR

PARTY

Political status now! Like a whiff of fresh air in a main sewer, Tony Benn's statement on Ireland last week will be of by thousands socialists in Britain as a towards welcome move breaking Labour's craven support for Tory policies. Many workers have been sickened bevond measure bv the Labour Party leader- ship's attitude towards the Special visit Shadow spokesman Don Concannon summed up this He paid a special visit to Bobby Sands on his deathbed to tell sands to nis face that the Labour leader- ship Thatcher in

SUDDOLLS

allowing him to die! Foot himself jumped to his feet Parliament immediately Sands' death to declare his unswerv- support for hatcher's ard line, and his oppositio o the hunger strikers' fiv dem anes In the aftermath of th death of Francis Hughe Labour Peer Lord Paget went even further- -calling on Tories to forbid the une publication of any news of the hunger strikes or what s happening when strikers die of it, why don' we bury them in jail?' rank and with a very doperet But mood has begun to emerge.

A growing number of ward meetings have begun carry.

ing emergency resolutions in and thing hor the hunger an end to the bipartisan policy.

Minute's silence Some Labour Party meet- have ings marked Bobby Sands' death with a minute's 247 silence. Trade union bodies have begun to challenge the Tory stance and that of their Labour lackeys. This has begun to perco- late through to some Labour MPs. signed a motion calling on the Tories to make the hunge COnCeSSIOnS strikers. 14 also signed one regretting the government's muranscence •no as recent To as And, Benn recently May Dav was refusing to sa anything about Ireland, made his call for the with arawal l susa loops, and a united Ireland. Of course it was a weak and confused statement. It called for the British troops to be replaced by UN troops -who would, course carry out the same repressive runcuon. I made no clea support political tatus the support hunger strikers. But it has spelled out that the problem is the con- tinued British presence Ireland: and it has under lined the need for the Irist people themselves to deter- their own political future. Strengthened As the first leadin politician to brea Labour from the 'bipartisan polic Benn has thus strengthenec those fighting in the constit- UCHCIes opposition to British imper- ialist rule And at the same time he has weakened the resolve of the Shadow Cabinet There were immediate attempts by Foot and the here was talk of demandir his resignation. But Ben stood his ground, and 1 became clear that Foot could not sack him. And even nardened reac tionary Merlyn Rees, him- self a former Labour torture chief McLaughlin joins the Ireland began making noises about ageous ranks of the hung recon- sidering the unconditional STrIKerS. many trade un guarantee to the Loyalist ists and socialists which population is at the previously ignored the Ir "bipartisan" centre of the struggle are coming to rec polieanwhile on nise that these men are the PLP's common criminals. Northern Ireland Committee They are orisoners all 18 MPs who spoke at a war, imprisoned for th to rid this count recent meeting said that they struggle favoured a united Ireland-a

HOD ISRAGE SCIO

policy that would be ation, pond sentenced. inh political courts. unattainable jury as long as the British continue to prop up the northern Orange state.

throughout Cathc population in The Weak countes Far from being isolat criminals they These developments

SECU

nised -as Sands' election a slow and appear pitifully funeral confirmed -as balneucalv weak new take place at a time and tempo vanguara mignters far remote rights of the oppressed from the mass Now than movement tat nas develop ed in the • six counties there is a chance to mobil er sun or the ugh support hunger strikers ment. While Bobby Sands' 70,000 Opportunity funeral drew over Catholic may trom une We call on all our reade working class of Belfast, the funeral of Francis Hughes on every acuive socialst a trade unionist to seize t rural Bellaghy saw opportunity, Build staggering 50,000 steer or the remot the ruggle around RUC roa blocks and through stringent security checks to pay their Don Concannon! Challer respects to a brave fighter TUC complicity with imp against imperialism. ialism in Ireland! 01001 1100s aulT *Press • resolutic have been large demonstra- through Labour Party war tions and strikes in support GMCs, and uni or une nuncer sunkers bodies at every level si And throughout Europ the socialist parties have been porting demands and calling for putting the Labour Partv to end to the "bipartis shame with their denuncia- block with the Tories. tions of the Thatcher govern- *Raise petitions for 1 support for the Cut ano same demands in Labo just demands of the hunger Parties and union branche strikers. *Support the lobby the May meeting of Labou Gathering pace NEC called by Committee on Ireland. *Combat the press and distortions! But at last ine. lignu against imperialist policies is *Leaflet factories workplaces spelling out gatnering pace ssues involved in the hun As Raymond McCreesh and Patsy O 'Hara draw close strike. meetin Organise pickets, solidarity activity.

acall: Diendall

Page 2 Nurseries: How & Why to Fight for Them "The aim is to force the state to run te sorva we noad. Many unions -

NUPE, NALGO, NUT,

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THE

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SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday May 21, 1981 Victories for Salvador guerrillas and implements the planned the dictatorship's It brought the loss of one regions, the last

IWO

Over apparatus increas political reforms." repressive of the dictatorship's prized guerrillas of Their re-cycling of weeks the pressgang "Huey' Carter's eyewash about the the FMLN have made delivered by are incapable regimes terommist charace major advances in the Reagan earlier may yet prove to be annoy- major campaigr Contrary to the optimis- department of Eastern the adminstration tic pronouncements peddled as opposed to ulabouo vi Morazan inflicting heavy unarmed and butchering especially since internal by Washington, the Salvador- opposition to its role in El peasants and workers) losses on the hard- ean military hierarchy Salvador has built up very consistent in emphasis- pressed and une ena or le laul army season they will undoubted- Decl quickly. the National Guard continumg streng. face a renewed guerrilla Yet of the FMLN European of friends push. They True Salvador, and particularly its With this in mind got popular frontist FDR leader- Francisco imperialists, capital This, European is not ot course for the with ship to table an ever-present has their headed bv the Second inter Loluela. unconnected national (whose forces have reven monuns deen a Ial oucl necuauons. desire to lav their hands or highly likely that the FDR's centre of the civil war been significantly augmented with imperialist principally the the guerrillas. strategy in the military field Mitterand) continue with which to slaughter the Revolucionario talks rather than put pressure biclatu Pueblo enter into negotiations. controlle also happens to be dereat the Duarte regime But it extensive liberated zones, far he has refused to yield While Duarte and his While true the os nas Demo- Christian the communic- and much of cabal develop a strong failed to Resolution ations, with the army pinned western cranie minister oresenct down to a few towns to welcome such a way out This intransigence, which provinces, it nas bull up it 20 a day the colonels refuse to coun- forces in the east and north before long will requite military intervention tenance encounters direct Army tosser WILl the civilian facade of the taking place running at 20 men a day and in the second week of May a of San Salvador. caused the Senate Foreign local culadas olivia. of Committee a number un aneet m remans lo There maor oesve ceancul be rank the pass drive the ERP into the arms indications anc resolution requiring Reagan and file of f the FMLN will of the Honduran wait- FMLN forces are gaining in army the bourgeois leader- certify that the dictator perfecting ing for them on the border experience. the ship of the FDR to sell out security resulted in a virtually total controls ana run operations anu con the struggle collapse. solidating their hold on key forces, respects human rights Spain: danger grows Party called The danger to the Six down. 1379 to go. they had Socialist bit fancifully, again and even more vigor- Spanish working class is now a prison to now is the advanced plans to1 That up that the labour acute breakout by 90 ously not for preparation bi present tally of Francoist internationally the working class but for full political prisoners. movemen generals. cooperation with the again on May defence democratic 15 three more Civil Guards attack The recent and CP has rights Spain and

GRAPC

shot in Basque And the made ETA-militar were and the high level solidarity similar statements. prepare brings to six the number of cousury action in the event of any generals killed not apologise for in the last of political tension returned We do further coup terrorist In the fale de the coup repeating. years by argument I of Socialist Press. the leader attacks. danger menti ou amo n The Transitional member army Programme in it's hard not to hit a Press Today's Class them-about Struggle ever tut orner tanks Despite such super- The founding pro- fluity of generals, every one grammatic document of them that bites the dust of the Trotskyist the others tow- encourages International Liaison aros me imposion ur a len Gang period of Francoist military Committee rule. order to stop And in Available, price 80p them from taking action, the including postage politicians-government and from WSL BM Box opposition-frantically try to do every thing the generals 5277, London WCIN want them to. 3XX Last week, however, the threat of an immediate coup to seemed recede for

STILL AVAILABLE

yet one more silver chalice influence inter should be enhanced ch this church period as the state author- The leader of the Truly, the pope, with his Socialist Youth League ities appeared to make some world's largest religious nunneries, sup against the supposed direct proportion to the lead gains monastenes pamphlet sect was gunned down content of his body. There is por mor authority, restric- authors of the attacks on the morals and medieval that military. last week as he was con- sentou. lante.

THEIR CRISIS-OUR

broder of the leader of th blood abortion rights in Italy could intolerance Between May 7 and May ducting a quasi-religious be more severely

SOLUTION

even there ceremony at the multi- Moonies, whose assassination they have restricted than terrorist attack in the Basque - if carried out-would bring head Price 30p including million pound been. But is only the quarters of his organisa- that no tears to ine eyes or. une post and packing Three alleged members of world's leaders. immediate backyard extent

GRAPO

were arrested tion. The Sunday Times says oi his influence. The poDe from SYL, BM Box Madrid and accused of the Pope John Paul II was has led an international the 5277, London WCIN murder of General Gonzalez shot by a member of the crusade against the liberation was pure evil, conceived in de Suso on May 3. brain thu Wolves-appar- fascist Grey human 3XX women, 282119 Eight alleged

ETA

mysticism ently imperialist struggles and settling protes

BOT

arrested in Russian and Anierican explain i the bumas material members were against what is perceived as the Basque country and In imperialism'. presence of socialism others Madrid, doing so the Sunday seven Times

JOIN

In Poland he managed to t ne pope was leaning out of his Popemobile' (paid for and every other Fleet Street inere. Ine press speculateu o weight his the without peasants (for once WOrKeTS church both against paper and at the exception) tries to make the

MERSEY SIDE

acros the woro wavine do workers states his godlike manner when the the following point um cartes would-be assassin struck was •shot by

FACTORY CLOSURES

gressive content of Solidarity pope and in favour • of collabora- terrorism aune ware many

: MOS

evil example of an reported across the world with purely com pultis could not be mis Why eampaigas more The plac Stalinism placed. The motives of the In Ireland he made a few we (the British ruling class) noro lost di shooting are obscure to say token phrases (now conven- most

WSL !

the least, but it was clearly nhor they eza bo is Ireland iently not a protest against the rea injustice while attacking the fore it evils of the Roman Catholic strikers are to be against the hunger

STUREIC

church because they 12110021 British army. contem eu fact this _religious South America he support a method of struggle In already other hands ir totem had inter- which eved spoke wiln misty Con- vened cern about the plight of the another pumpe referendum in Italy on abor- harangued bullets into a saint. and then conception is less tion rights and was on the women try to limit who

CHUS

verge of doing so again. (He their own fertility. than immaculate but it A WSL Pamonter has said doctors and nurses Even from the about handy. His Conce entrails of a wounded pope Price 27p including poverty does not of course wao cary out aooruos wil postage from WSL, be excommunicated). prevent him can the bourgeoisie produce extracting The lesson most regrettable home spun last penny from the peasant BM Box 5277, London of masses and the impoverished assassillallul curva ¡attempt is that the political workers to melt down into

French right wing resort Strikes in China SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday May 21. 1981 to violence While all the working France class parties in for were preparing the second of the round Presidential election cam- paign in support of the Socialist candidate Mitterand, the sitting Giscard candidate showed the a Estally workers the iron fist of that would reaction strike at even the mild- of socialist govern- est In the most unexpected ot places-the centre Univer- sitaire at Assas in Paris- there has not even been a token student striKe it over 11 years- an alliance right wing extreme student groups called a strike and vicent create Tael opponents from the build The pretext for the action was a protest against decision by the adminis- to abolish an exam, tration were quick to So ill prepared were the Nazis' they In use on assas Their main with him. allowed students graduate in February instead not succeed in mounting a chant was ..0... picket line on the first morn- Occident' OT June succeeded in clear- The administration action, Tuesddy 28 April. without argued that the exam was ing The university * Not aring said one of Lecture by l slack, and active resistance allowing Uneconomic. Only kind of thing one 01 • to es or students to leave many as the suin but costing nearly as ortanisers ane day el final exam students are not in the habit barricadeo me enranco. of getting up early". the university, and violently repelled some attempts to re- appears inere have from As a result most lectures enter the building students to got under without diffi- Police cleared the build- majority way of early afternoon, culty. although a number •VOl out only atter being held off thousand of 17,500 students had stayed away to with a hail of dustbins and 'referendum' avoid the threatened replied to gas comos Tron ine swoone union violence. the question, and no more During the course of the than a hundred attended the the right wing morning assembled their torces and or strike union meeting. despite forceful attempts by stormed into the lecture the extreme right to ensure rooms, micro- snatching phones away from the a good attendance It is clear that from the lécturers and driving the beginning of the affair the students out. This phase o1 operation was far less Wak amateur. onv to use the •vestion the occasion for a show of The right wingers were physical force. jackets, Walte fence-canner ranger Boots, and armed The or all ript vised nature wing 'ranger armed action evidence their thunderf ashes and

WITH

small gas bombs which rather than the abolition of proved most efficient means the February rooms. clearing certainly did not need such a When one lecturer Giscard hurried response. shouted at them You are Further evidence of but admitted that there had people he described as wait- growing labour unrest in ing tor work. Inis Is a small China discontented young workers, figure to came light some estimates made by the capit recently at press Thall spearation alist press, but it is far larger Them entorced conference given by from their families. than any previous admission Chen Yu, vice president Dy unitiese Icacels Increases of the trade union feder- issues of official Recent Chinese bulletins have ation of China, the It will not have escaped to the fact admitted that end of April. that March notice the ana steents ndve While been increasingly disconten- trying covemment cecreed icant increases in the number ted in several areas of China. down significance days holiday allowed to

BYCHES.

and Alone te causos of tric giving precise dates, Chen Yu problems were disputes over WorKers Tor Tamity VISITS spoke of a two-day stoppage There are estimated still bonuses and wage increases, to be several hundred thous- of new housing units. the north east of peking, separatee amules as я and result the economic policies pursued in previous glass Criticised works in Shanghai. He insisted that these were very small strikes involving only a Even more significant the universities the than the admission. however standard of food has beer cases. regularly criticised, and

DOTA

guarded. OT ine outbreak Of He denied rumours was Chen Yu's students have agitated there had been a strike at the arctationi

LITC

scale writers

SUCH

Taiyuan, unemployment. Bai Hua who have been Steel capital of Shanxi province, Four attacked by the authorities.

young Ultra-right is exploiting mass youth unemployment Fighting continued in the streets around the university

TOI

time alterwares and the right wingers late the university reoccupie effectively ano work for the day. The following day saw a much smaller number o1 students the university and the right their control wing sserter again by mid-morning. Molotov cocktails were being prepared to repel the large force of police which was gathering nearby esult of whict or me univer , his request for istance and allowe the continue to show isations of the February exam. The right wing ailiance is a new feature • of the political scene in F No doubt it far right to the suppression of the neo-fascist FANE by extreme political more former ricals Perhaps most significant or anen yue revelation was that there exist 'all sorts oreaniscuions callinic themselves free and indepen.

dent' operating the fac- Tones ane worke aces Demands his view these all Conanuine 'Gang of Four' and their supporters, but it seems unlikely that the exis 'several factions' Tence can be accounted for solely terms former ultra- leftists. The possibilities exist for the creation of independent workers' organisations in boutoric ane today. but as be nina Poland only through the Of a Ccauton members of that group.

NOTE

shows that the liberal' wing of the French ruling class willing, remelns ever. impose its will by armed the working class force on evidence view is the enthusiastic sup port for the which was given by the Comite de: etudiant liberataux de France (CELF) the of Giscard's followers The other groups have a tono nistorv or extreme rant wing views and actions. They include the union et

(GUD),

des etudiant nationalistes (FEN), the Union inter-universitaire (UNI), as well as various 'corporatist' Deng new party, Trotskyist that the masses will corne to overthrow the para sitic ruling bureaucracy.

Page 3 Marc Frederiksen, chief of the now disbanded neo-Nazi group FANE between leader groupings squa thei fact these the Socialist

TACT

groups were able to achieve Communist Parties an easily reflects disorientated by their aims so the the divisions amongs! the left Stalinist CP leaders into an wing student out of Eurocommunism, fa organisations flowina in laro out sectarianism ane the sectarianism of the Com right racism Party of France munist past the workin in the force its leaders Squabbling together against the threa TrON extreme alon However, the right wing the next few week in this determination must b warning is not just aimed at found again if the democr: stucents out at ine whoe d tic rights of the workers an the class, itself survive the growing righ weakened deep divisions and months wine wave on seence

WORKERS'

REVOLUTIONN

(SOUTHERN AFRICA

2a Namibia South Africa 1 Zimbabwe

NEW!

Socialist Press pamphlet on Southern Africa Price 60p (including postage) from WSL, BM Box 5277, London WCIN 3XX

workers defence squads Brixton: for a By Henry Phillips workers' inquiry Lord Slaves the because of) the feeling of believes people appears, vast numbers on Brixton that they are living conducting enquiry in a form of police state, the into wild animals. DrOTESI said on called major political ine probiem. ne the

BBC

shortly after his organisations remains Church enquiry opened at melled. House. Westminster improposal passed aty was nol way meeting ane baCK large organised individuals in Brixton related the Labour Party Young each other what Vocass or a abour move "the ment and people's

WICK

has still not resulted in such instinct took over Scarman-appointed by taking place--1 Fome Secretary Tory spite or verda support tom William "Whitewash" (as he leading figures on the increasingly known council and from MPs locally) - - thus laid bare the some leading Meanwhile nature of his investigation.

movement figures

ABOUT

who formerly rejected Scar- implies that he invest atin, the implications man and supported an inde for of the Brixton pendent enquiry now appear area i -racial conflict. to be prepared to cooperate with Scarman Cover-up rus. accorang to press reports which we have so far In reality, of course, this apphies to Ted Knight, saely unable confirm, is part of an attempt by tne government and its allies to the over up nature votes to 11) last week after a what right wing challenge in the on April 11 and 12. Labour Group. Thoo went had rotacial Also the Labour councit with inter-racial as a whole is preparing to cobello were a mass evidence give Scarman rebellion oppressed though the Lambeth Trades people against a police army Council has voted to boycott the enquiry.

• OCTOKOT

Both blacks and whites the jockeying wale participated in this rebellion about the enquiry goes on 1s are the racist, sexist and general- of course came from the policies of the young black police continue. Brixton whose daily lives are Major step mesica win ponce lepres- sio The harassment reached a The urgent need noW is mobilise of the peak in the few weeks before' sullie

SUCHEER

ol the resenton ot when The April 11 and 12 against the inflated police force conduc- continuation of ted its infamous Operation repression and wash it by the Tories. Since April 12, though genuine independent the police have become a bit enquiry, run by labour visible the movement, black and succis. community raung acuvides on mosty organisations black homes have continued would major step and have been illay stepped up. It could take the form of On the pretext of looking suits. continuous for stolen the Aftermath of Brixton riot many-sided propaganda looting against the conditions enquiry. And last Saturday, These

SHOO

and fe Dolice nave red nome‹ Police oppressIon prelude to bigger demonstra-

I CODI

Hialis. at dawn and taken whole which Repression, group tions supported by all the Illally amilies the police Irish and people living in Brixton who especal back labour movement

SOCIATIS

hours gay people-live in Brixton.

been

IOH

disturbed and progressive 2n0 questioning. But also the public airing angered recent tions. street p une Two oi demands demonstra- behaviour successful picket o" One such demonstration public tions is needed held a of meeting place on June Sands should take have been There was a small picket 70 15 when Lord Scarman will people of the by the local police. of the Westminster police station against police begin to receive evidence in session of Scarman's repression Despile Brixton. Coventry: fighting for streets. national demon- Party fascist

ONTA-SAN

Labour they By have harnessing the mili- gallas. stration in Coventry has calling affiliation and cleared the way for them- tancy of black youth and by financial aid to the Commit- been called in response insisting daily through attracting sections the organising to the racist murder of black the media (which they own) workers organisations. of anti-racist defence. that blacks and immigration Satnam Gill and thirty Commie Besides organising physic are a problem. other ai resistance to the fascists" attacks on blads It is not Marxist theory aradis on blacks. i April alone the ( om- alone that tells us that the Disarusalons or tne working I beading are tomorrow's target ... *' the fascists. Already there S3: 5327 the attack on the Lad is a par: Party meeting in io build Coventry the Trades Labour strength Council and trade unions the sial attacks and the labour leit has been forced away This is because black set labour movement from words and has been defence can only ultimately drive fascists off the spurred into action une secured through last Fridav's Workers self defence united strength of the work-

MAURICE LUDMER

Upper Stoke public ward being put firmly the He Cass meeting showed We heard with great agenda Coventry Racism Lne and fascism is our task to build regret of the death of movement, and JaDour the workers' self defence now lesuil Crisis-roden reformists and right wing are Maurice Ludmer, capitalism, and are only part editor Inside the labour movement, scrambling to regain the situ- of the attacks that are made of the anti-fascist to defend our organisations, ation, and are being politic- and as an integral part of the magazine Searchlight'. vil the labour movement by ally exposed in the process the bosses. vie shall be publishing a workers govern- HERE TOr the gains of the Though the bosses in the mat will pranke on the ment armed week was an obituary next week. motion "cartivil case or coventry may not be passed the Coventrv directly • lor ine wusses If that demonstration is built for properly it should be • possible to give Scarman evidence that Cca especially

WHOS

problems it is supposed to investigate-as a fraud and a cover-up. self-defence must not be left to develop Isolation from the strength of the whole working class.

because it is not the bravery of black youth that will be noticed by bosses, the their police, their press and their

COUTES.

They will seize that on isolation to victimise them even further and make them terrible to the whole working class we must

PO I

bosses to turn the failure of their capitalist so stem and decen: so the black om- attack on the llly *Build anti-racist defence squads and workers defence squads! *Drive the fascists off the streets!

RAIDS KILL BUT

OCCUPATIONS SAVE

LIVES-OFFICIAL

"Concern was expres- sed by those who did not want the hospital to close that moving patients would kill them and that the authority by its action was hastening their deaths." "... the proportion of patients surviving fell steeply during the three months September to November 1980." These aments. thilard and the second fason first Professor from the report commission ed to study the deaths of the reasons for the fierce opposition to the closure of The report recently pub lished amid the fanfare of a 'set-up' was the Defence Committe believe originally commis. sioned duc to the • DIESSUIt some Regional Health Authority members to moni tor the • patients transferred from St. Benedict's in order assess the effect the move had on them Delay The Area Health Author originally due but said tha "missed the of cycle meetings and would not be able to report until May The believes committee that reporting was to allow time for Profes- Millard to his prepare nearly dismisses preface-which nearly the 23 deaths for necessary future death. which were necessary to "achieve essential develop- of services the elderly Members of the St. Benedict's Defence Commit- tee have studied the report and feel it is essential that all its false alle concocled assumptions should be attacked What the Committee comparing deaths September 9 1980 (date of the first removal of patients) with previous the AHA have pro duced is a mixed-up jumble statistical jargon New Cross fire verdict Having failed in their attempt to halt the inquest into the Dept ford fire in which 13 blacks died young parents of the victims are now considering what action to take in response to the open verdict reached by the Coroner's jury. The police version of the events-tha was started inside the front room of the house by black youths after a fight-was completely demolished by witnesses. The five black youths on whose statements the police based their Last staler ments were forced out te- ments were forced out them by police officers. denied that police they pressured the youths- all of whom were on bail in SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday May 21, 1981 starts in July 1980 and so Helloes Intee moniac which do not measure the effect of the following trauma moves move only began in September. According the cornice. Caratons. using the mortality in rela tion morbidity criteri used in the interim (12 equals deaths), already 26 patient. have died in six months. laking the figures from September 1980 (when the transfers began), they calcul- ate that over a twelve montr period the mortality rate could be 46 That an AHA can make a crass deçision to cut geriatric services in a time of growing need purely tinancia

TOLSOR

ITesponsIdie However, that it would go to great lengths and lie witl stalistic tu the intend to tap by Despite its factual inaccuracies and false statis tics the report firmly finds that during the period of the occupation the mortality (". mortality rate between December 1979 and August 1980 was slightly that Lne three preceding years"). This proves, significantly, that standards of patient care do not fall during occupations.

Trauma It shows that staff, them- selves under great stress, con- tinue to put patients first report shows that mortality increased as the Benedict's trauma of uprooting elderh and frail people. predictable percere and avoidable Those who opposed the his as did these who a doca closure ted it. The advocates of closure chose financia first and patients second and should now have the wouldn consequences of their decision. Patients have died and 200 long term geriatric bed have lost

USLECI

relation to other charges- during the three days that they were held for question- ing But it has since emerged that • iwo omer vouros. acc held for three days but against whom charge: wo nume. were released without signing statements backing the police version, of Habeas only atter threat: Corpus were made to the police The Coroner taled to take any notes of what was said in his court and summed not from the evidence but from the discredited given slalcillaills Unue pressure to the police. It is clear that the trutt of will this Casi

HOL DE

reached the coroner's court and that only a labou inquiry movement fire stands any chance at all establishing what really happened.

Festival of women against the Tories Technology kills jobs! SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday May 21, 1981 The Festival Women's Rights Tory against Attacks' on May 9 was based on the principle of for offering something broad everyone, base of anti-Toryism. such virtually impossible for one individual offer overall assess- ment or tae resa. attempted make to' available currents, strands and movements that Over beer anony the past twelve years in the women s movement. in con- the specific of women to the ory attacks coming together grouping on vague basis of bein anti system: snot all being The it was very difficul to discern a united theme Whatever the intention of the organisers, each work- shop and participating group followed its own line. original publicity tne had stated: We the second anniversary of the Thatcher government with a national

WUNCHS

Our message is: women are fighting back. May 9 will be a day our loss experiences, ideas and infor- against Tories attacks rights enjoy selves." Royal Pride strikers on the picket line This was far closer to the actual day's events than the workshop directly steering the discussion away 1725 centred on defence of iobs.

from any demands on them 2001 TAne Festival in explaine rogan me, the This was i critical l tael maction.

which though frustrat- Certainly no trade union WOTKShOP ingly short. Any lud done owe day as fight against women's struggles discussed warranted the commoniaoe unemployment and• vorkshor a workshop or its own There were speakers from Nearly speaker "Since 1975 women's

BPC

Lee Jeans. Longworth focussed on the betravals o unemployment has increased Hospital and the struggle at trade union officials to 207% (compared Royal Pride. they had turned for 61% for men) threatening to is all too rare a breath SuDDUIL. allu back of fresh them out or left the struggle wiel peopit women's rights by decades: can come totally isolated.

LION

striages together and discuss their niever The message from The ata omen lives, are under experiences-in open came over loud the and clear: solidarity, funds, LAzu nOT in nearly 100 stranglehold of some trade rallies, alluenos union official events on we day omy one chairing and necessary, but won't win The giant Philips elec- fion of the microprocessor number of components in so trical once many manufactured goods шопороу Lift microorocessor had the UK capacity to But far too often discus- Mas slashed the number components the subject tends to manufacture 400,000 sion or Singers now be confined to colour TV sets a year in the likelv sewing machine where one impact robotics on two plants, at Lowestoft microprocessor has replaced production lines. 350 mechanical parts. (employing 1,100) We are all aware of the and Croydon same is happening (employing this (we consceuence in automobile electronics, need look no further 1400). • thar Longbridge) but this is by no telecommunications Now they have shut their equipment, and many means all, or even the major Lowestoft other areas. plant, part of the story. 1,100 and nave increased Une group who will be their 500,000 to Maintenance severely affected, for most sets based on Croydon alone.

be For many workers this is posemen suffering the direct effect of This affects the jobs not the reality of unemployment the reduction of the amount of tnose who work in -jobs disappearing not manufacturing industry, mail because of improved com servicing and puter based communications secause ance amount of systems nit the de-stocking, but because Western Electric estimate business mail. there is no need to employ that there will be 75% Indeed, it is likely that, wve to co me work reduction severe though it may be for mne need tor In TV manufacture there labour maintenance, some workers, the job reduc- are two tactors that have led and repairs following on the intro •stallations so big a reauction in the ductior on the work as a result or the intro ot robot: labour content per set, duction electronic tele- shop floor, will be : consider- changes in technology mean phone exchanges. ably slower to affect us than less components per set, and other new course, the ettects o1 areas management have devised 'new technology' on employ- nology, simply because "improved" ment are robots are still very expen- production no maeans con metnods. fined to the consequences of sive. TV sets are not the only so drastic a reduction of the It is in the ottice that the struggles over jobs. What victories of these brave fights trade union leaders-whether

SOGAT,

FTAT, Or

COHSE.

They are determined not extend industrial action • keep it confined. to aban it, to get it settled as quickly as nossible. Was dise cear women who have Ludi been in the forefront of the fight against unemployment cheap computer-based systems are already hitting APEX expects 500,000 office jobs to go by recent study in the Service indica- compute sation would reduce the number of

CUT

clerical from 3393 to 2492. evidence that many firms are excuse to get rid of labour, replacing new technology systems. Any study of unemploy- ment figures shows a steep underlying rise in structural cyclical unem- Hot merely ployment, future equally grim unemployment not Inreat 'new technology organised workers. Deskilling will increasing- ly rob many workers of their Eileen' St Benedicts Hos- Jeans snowing the way Jobs could be defended is impossible to judge active into the trade union shops. looked Women in the NUT was well but Women in the «tender. Print Unions only • had three, including the BPC and Perga- mon speakers The engineering unions had two, and NUPE had five.

context of the une bargaining strength, while improved communication systems wili strengthen the power multi-national wallies. will be perfectly possible to carry on the day- to-day running of a factory Scotland head office in California. The first demand that new technology stimulates is shorter T0a1

TOI

working time. But this is not in itself sufficient. Changes technology raise very directly the ques tion of control; we have the means to vastly increase wealth of the world abolish many boring routine But these potential JoDs opportunities present them- selves to us as a threat to jobs and a loss of bargaining power Never was the anarchy of capitalism and the case for socialism more clearly made.

What is needed the development plans shop stewards committees, linking staff and manual unions. MARY-ANN TODD gives a personal view of the festival Women's Rights Against the Tories, held in London on Saturday May 9. necessary fight back against except through listening t wholesale attack on women's the determination and ange women who hav jous and ngnts te neck issues struggled like Anwar Ditta 181 concerning women in the trade unions' We an went excite! encouraged, however, by th Issuca as a DasIS IOI GISCuS richness and variety of sion depressingly missed the trade developed to virtuall WanT union tave official would be happy dis dominate the alternativ fringe theatre cussing world concentrated Issues which London. o une rims and that owe their exist entirely on positive discrim- bands ination ence entirely to the women within liberation (without even T8180S accountability and demo challenge sex role stereo on equal opportuni typing cracy), ties It was verv frustrating to turtlees. training facilities have such a crammed ful caucuses available women and programme of events national rank making it impossible to ge women's movements in each to a fraction of workshops un Nowhere does it suggest and events that you wanted to attend discussine festival could have

WILL CENTRIOT

is actually doing in response easily been over is the Tore or leader shin.

week and have beer Tole enjoyable and stimulating It can carrev on i Irish struggle concept of perfecting trade union organisation in term of sex, regardless of poutics Without doubt the issues Presumably only when and themes that attracted we've the union sorted got out with properly question of violence against represented can we turn our the workshops attention fighting rape and pornography, 12100 Tories! (what was probably the Fortunately the women biggest attendance at a work in Lee Jeans, Longworth and shop) Roval Pride have not waited on the question of Women for their unions to become in Armagh Irish the properly structured before struggle. The Tory memorable mos experience was the speech o allacks Of member of course their unions the Relatives are horrifically Action Committee. -especially in the This came after a speect NUTGW and FTAT from Jo Richardson who It is very important to described the lories attack change there but offered no direction or Ins-and no doubt that the strugeles what to do about it aval of these women will hasten trOn references to that change She ignored hecklers Perhaps the intention of asking her where she

SLOOL

the testival was to be a war on Labour Party policy • on organising women to Ireland. show them what they can go The speaker from th gavé a simple, direct in their work- point by

SNAT

point, now in overwhelmingly powerful argument tor politica statu women's insight into the Laut horrendous of umons, labour parues oppression arity campaiens, to defend the jails and the uncompro services, and to jobs, rights, mising bravery of the hunger bring down the government strikers and the blanket I don't think however we paulooreli were all strengthened In al Though no call for troops ability to tackle the Tories out was made, it was implicit in the speech, which totally convinced hundreds women there that there is no way we can remain malter ent uninvolved to the fight against British imperial The minute's silence on the death of Bobby Sands.

as a mark of respect to Cass sex-was mark of accep- The demand for full dis- tance by all that the great closure information by imperialism and on their forward capitalism. planning products and production techniques, must Similar be raised and foucht for enough The Festival was very demand planning agreements similar overal to the early al lie top, and the revival o1 Women's Liberation Move. "Sector Working Parties' ment conferences which also an industry basis had speakers from struggles The rank and file must be workshops abortion alerted to what is happening black таре, women, involved in the fight to force women all Ireland. . information and necessary This Festival had more bring their strength class content in response in the fight to defend job: extent the Tories' Ene improve working con- attacks and the deepening of ditions And, conditions It was interesting, stimu the new technology where lating, and jam packed has the power to improve o the sort of 1i was a destrov the living standards forum where conflict ove the majority, the • policies and direction fight was must be redoubled for orausset nationalisation the It offered unity and major firms and the banks sisterhood, that finance them, without was yory colon ful and good fun compensation under workers But a hell of i a lot more management. 1s needed apart from this to defeat the Tories and carry forward the fight for revolu- dudly can

Hammer blows BETRAY AGAIN Page 6

INDUSTRIAL NEWS

at Losinksa Apart from the pay On hearing the result of campaign the the vote about 100 delegates debate

CPSA

Annual Confer- from the right wing of the Ministry of Defence ence. at Brighton saw several major SeCLOl Stagea victones threatening for the left, including their members from the pay one (the. election of suitkes. They senior fuli-time officers) chants of "ecal scal pursued of historic compromise idual decate. in the fight for demo- them selves to be flurry of push- cracy in the into a brief workers' ing and shoving. movement. debates on affilia The "Daylight" (Moder- tions the defeat saw Stational EXecutive recieved roup-dominated moves to disaffiliate from the Anti Nazi League and succession hammer long overdue airing of affili- blows on just about every to the National Abor- dilarul voncy cecicion tion Campaign. Despite the irubbing handed out Lne nInT- wing, Successful national elections showed that Kate Losinska, Charlie Elliott their anoi mere fact supporters still have a clear latter debate took place was majority on the NEC activities Broad Left did how- reborn Civil Service Women's ever inroads in the Rights Group lllake wne organ- and eectons practically lobbying IScu swept the board in the DHSS standing orders The and Department of Employ- ensure that NAC question could not be

MORI

The decision or the week was the significant filibustered off the for fourth left's victory on the election y ad (Losinska and Charlie Elliott of full-time officers. the two leading right wingers The Executive's recom- both have mendations were thrown out Catholic Action). and change The "discussion" in the Was approved the end was neces-

LWILE

high T (OTISTAr sary two-thirds majority on a with hand-picked LIFE

LUHV

card vote) making and SPUC members churning election of all full-time

SCILOT

old anti-abortion officials mandatory every потот storiec five years. Eventually next This the start of WaS noved process willen can lead t dec ared carried to be more regular election of all Losinska (to the outrage full timers. all in the observers' gallery The Executive was also who could see the voting) Sammed for attempting It is clear however that allow Work Experience Pro- the Civil Service Women's the civil. bidilc mIo Rights Group has gained service (totally enormous impetus. arollast edopted policies) and for was also made Sudrl iccepting job losses in nego- on the vital task of curtail- tiations over new tech- ing the powers tology. .oi the Presi. dent (a post which is more Tensions reached a peak significant than its Cede ate o ra lation lent in CND, which was eventu- any other trade union). py caltea by a 2-1 major- Losinska and Lertan v ly. her "Davlipht" lvlllse Hull sell-out 'The bastards should the action be strung up". "We official by all the unions ould break their arms". involved. They are nothing but a TGWP to tha t time only the with a dozen mem- rach of traitors. bers had recognised These were just some of acton. The strike began on romarks altected at the Friday 27 March alter #adership of the six management had tostred wt uts the plan™ no di de aiom. 5*= ibe ine the s iís .a .. ta at- Hal

II TETIET

• -1 201 dos De se De boLE : 12 May the workers no annual wage increase. bs For the first month the of full time strike under the control of ciats recommendation the committee sunke had a return to work pending remained solid. 410m In the last two weeks of This was in direct oppos- the strike the official leader- to the principled line ship became more promin- the strike commit- ent in the struggle. called for a continu- At a mass meeting held at and for Bevin. House, JuIe

TGWU

une idents 1n slogans ot very worried about develop- ference last week. menls. Their witch-hunting and bastion trotskyite-baiting Frank Chapple's and more Decoming a walk-out- munist desperate. It likely is very withdraw that they will turn increas- opportunist to the ingly to the courts to protect their position (already they by taking • logar davice on at conference) anu Inoiv. three icasi allowed un orla wing internal matters) biUeS provoked The Broad Left for its of Solidarity. part has stepped up recruit- ment and is well placed to Dagenham expose the Moderates" over of EETPU to emulate the their conduct of the pay Polish union-with a cam paign. union having packed Broad Left fringe rally was addressed by broadcast Dennis Skinner MP al llls loudest and leftest. Lre stressed the need to despite angry bring down the Tories out- The lobby side Parliament and launched called that the Healey/Shore/Hattersley scathing the the level alLack the wing of the Labour Party

-WILI

COOTO

He also rejected the bi- branch policy on Ireland Partisall of and described Don

CULICN

Concannon's com- visit other branches- dying Bobby Sands as "dis- Cardiff branch-denied Ene gusting and nauseating". opportunity The Conference reflected agenda gates. the rapidly average Talling age of the CPSA membership with a significant number cratic of very young delegates with and the Hopeful Ihe tuture for the left ance from in the union therefore looks conference very hopefut-only oo lica ally stagnation the change amongsi busi- leadership "transferable DIode and lead to the wasting of the election by current opportunities. The Militant grouping is still very much ingly wullalt. with a cadre of very able politically Dut constipated members in leadership cenaa positions. But influence of the (who Communist and TarEy Tribunite declinine, though sill impor.

left visibly equiva- Socialist Press and Social- ist Organiser supporters must build the Socialist Caucus as policy-formulating group within the Broad Left Clive Jenkins' increas- neadquarters, on 5 May, the made ingly right wing leader- officials recommended ship of ASTMS received return to work based on letter put out a jolt last weekend al. the workforce by the manage- Their mert the The meeting voted continue the strike by a 2-9 Dennis Healey for tions the Labour The sell out came after defeated. sitters had successully In its place, a motion was datared a Tanze- passed the oy * 227072 In a té St :r-‹ dal- Tae wn- dancy LWIRES STi IO DE- by Pust Management appeared to The NEC had attempted be weakening. their to avoid a vote at conference Dul trump was the union CalTe withdrawing their initial officials. As one striker told proposal Socialist Press: 'status quo" in the Labour 'We know what leadership and bosses are, and we know that their most effective weapons a vague call for consultation Divisional and are our so-called friends.

"advise' lever to Healey heckled, but

CHAPPLE LIVES TO

"Free speech for diss- the

EETPU"

LONDON

among the witty a 70-strong rank and file lobby of

CENTRAI

the union's Biennial Con-

INNOCENT

The slogan hit the nail on the head. For while it suits O.K. anti toll Crusaue en( verbal support Polish Solidarity movement (a resolution to this effect was carried at the ,he and his right the 000N6 revolutionary class character Hence a resolution from the Caline new SHlzIt all its : officials elected and its negotiations workers affected _was omitted from conference order paper, 'protests. second the initial poll) been EC suuvorer the proposa to draw attention to to switch to a system bureaucratic oi twi rounds-in which top rule repression within the EETPU two in the first Canceates the Midland round go forward to a run- (Birmingham) off election. This they allln Central will eliminate the CPS lepe branch closed down, and wing opponents. -including

IOTNE

Tne speaker was allowed send dele- proposal- Tn1s ated despite the fact that a South- In the event a motion in Private ampton delegate was on his the bureau- coanas hou supp rim TeeT oi branche by of chants the was carried speak" afforded Even then the motion was lost on the first show of stiff resist hands, and it took a tongue- of the lashing from Frank Chapple who took hands-but UveC Cia carried a rule whip the abstainers into line and ano pocure be tIlC close system yulc UCURTed cal nica 1960s. But no thing could had increas- Inon disguise the heavy 2-1 defeat sunicren ov the El on the issue participation -Lals unions an private medical schemes. Such victory. The EETPU has become anonismn Partı notorious throughout good come laboul movement for its Breakall Jenkins rebuffed as ASTMS backs Benn and the delegation. Party unity. this W n HE first appeared plausible to som for DC delegates including left wingers, it was plainly a

SUIIC

шh21 criticise attempt manoeuvre avoid any support mandate and leave Jenkins the elec- •erend press for a vote for Iree to argued Healey or some "dark horse" Deputy leadership Party slculle mn vote-splitting candidate.

Ten resolutions and Annual tht Conference It was countered by ten SeTEeIY call- tesolutons T10 Bam Toe carred 146,840 „ot =m l- DrooDai Counizi. Fede- DOE SEnan ing the union's votes to Benn "on a platform of implemen- ting conference decisions.

DOr the Jenkins himself got up to carlier this Uooost resolution, substituting quoting from a speech made by Benn to a Labour Party Branch 1960-some conrrerence the 21 as -calling I0] WIlU! SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday May 21. 1981 negotiation of such schemes defeated he was greeted by for sections of its members.

ten minutes of jeering and despite efforts

JBUT

handclapping from

SUW

off the delegate arcad angry while resolution condemning Tory fured about "Maoists" and attacks on the NHS, pledging try ing to to defend the NHS, and call.

break up the conference ing on the EC to oppose "all Dennis Healey's election private practice ,speech, itch hu tine filled with including medical insuranci selected as those oper- schemes such material, Iccevet and the

BUPA

surprisingly "Patients' stormy Plan" reception from delegates dissociate itself from all such which again the chair seemed agreements, and deploring almost to lose control of the "support and conference

CUMO

private health But the Standing Orders schemes by the participation Committee retained their of trade unions' was Canned composure sufficiently to Another motion that was block any discussion of the clearly carried on a show of emergency declared lost by submitted calling for support chairman Tom Breakall-was Irish hunger strikers I0 Ete on picket lines and their five demands. Chapple survived It sought to commit the another conference: but the respecting picket groundswell opposition lines both of othet within SCCuos the union of the EETPU and of other remains And the key role sulung suppressing that elementary trade wil continue to be played was carried by by Chapple's former Stalin- majority-and ist comrades the Com- pronounced munist Party. elections under Labour's reply, Rory Murphy new electoral college system.

7 pointed out

LVO.

the Il shows need while would some drive the Benn's for voll bal democratisation recoro right surely nobody would try 'to the trade union movement.

Healey's. And he The ASTMS conference we nave al learner also important years: Y was ontye then! 21 the changes to increase demo cratic control of the union's card delegations to the TUO : and sight of a crest- fallen Clive Jenk ins receiving Labour Party conferences.

the result brought jubilation but attemots amend

CLO

the rules to enable to left wing delegates-it was the recrutment of unemployed to 140,340. The ASTHS decision members of

PULCEPI

ASTMS were defeated i ibe Benn And the reactionary ele- campaien than the 600000 ment of the union came into full and ugty

NUPE

when delegates barracked and słow-handclapped Sheffield delegate Ron Giles It is the first occasion on as he . to move for an which the platform has been dilc rDieu emergency motion defeated in order to mandate support of the irish hunger delegation su lava

BL workers face new stage of SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday May 21, 1981 Edwardes plan BL's of a new round of plant closures represents another challenge to the union Hantvencl over the defence of jobs.

The closures are extension of the Ldwardes plan first launched in Sep- tember 1979. effectively mean Incy The cocure oInve nrore plants and the axing of 5,000 more jobs as part of a sarated anca ar corcontia ting production in two main and areas-Longbridge Lowiey. The two key Hilallast decisions ment the scrapping of the TR7 sports car and the SON SD Ro Sa Cury tPlant! Cowley when it is SAen by launched in April 1982. Time scale This could lead to the closure of the modern SD1 Asemon rai wun a loss of 1,600 jobs and throw the future of the Speke body which bant o cobady presses frames for the TR7.

production in the factory.

Coventry Engines would Compulsory redundancies which looked certainty and BL be seriously atiected the Maxi say they 0OK1Te wach coasts seriously' at adduure production aune

TOW

addition the seem unlikely and even the he plant. VR Division plant present scheme

DOLVIC

lliay Coase Foundry capacity would The Triumph Acclaim also be cut back -resulting in (Honda) is to be launched October and will welling ue Cosulc

LIEC

borough followed rapidly by the new Tounery and leaving a serious ques- face lift hatchback Princess the. No. over ahd, they the tion mark 10pv. Foundry in Leeds. Rover. Although Jaguar will Closure and receive open Iaillall new model Ene In 1983 the first model plant earmarked fOI LC10 range rationalisation and of the w1l be launched the Cowley „on nod 10c àe à cartully can cased. Comp les The plan whole Assembly South Works. Cowley workers DUl y cdlr wne may Tee f aTer management result of these moves should The kind of time scale they need not be deluded. Their future to defuse opposition. CotiO L • 0e se varaleu

LTOIEO

immedi- the effects of the Edwardes une pressule ately placed onto the indiv- and Thatcher policies on the idual Management worker. corooravun as a wnor achieved "as far as possble" They should remember zosser that the original "Edwardes Plan" by voluntary means. 1978 ot september desginated Rovers area and transferred Fait accompli growth the IR7 from t.ne GOOnCU Where Assembly Plant at Canley in plants are to be Coventry! closed the blanl cut Edwardes closure terms apply Every W1l "subject to there being co- makes is a step towaras the complete closure of BL the Ovelallun Oruelly Whatever BL's present transier or work, run aown and closure". strategy, now canno Management assembly plants plus Jaguar will move and Rover compete in the Gulckly Lo presenl workcrs world with a fait accompli. Already Illanulaclufl? by September they plan to InENNTY TOOSVY But, true to form, the close the TR7 anu dente trade union officials the first stage of the closure of the SD1 plant. nothing oppose doino the closure. They were given At the Cowley Assembly Plant management is laying the intormation by manage- plans for the expansion of ment last Tuesday, but as

CAR INDUSTRY CRISIS

A POLICY

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Workers Socialist

FOR OBL

League pamphlet

A POLICY FOR

WORKERS

BL WORKERS

Price 45p including postage from WSL, BM Box 5277, London

WC1N 3XX

yet not a single initiative has order to make BL viable. emerged from them And when Edwardes have balloted workforce his so-called "survival planr Coulse LiteiC been angry come WorOS Brian Mathers, the Midlands the Confed enclosed a letter Secretary of the Regional yes vote urging Edwardes. I uWU, nas said tne decision scandal". Grenville defeat for the BL Workfobe That vote was Hawley, national automotive TGWU has Edwardes sacked Derek oi the secretary said it is "diabolical". kobinson on the basIs oI 1l and has used it as his author- Al ine same ume mawiey cancelled a convenors' con- ity ever since Those events make scheduled terence 1U1 today's fight harder. Monday of week, this discuss management's Never challenged proposed

PC W

Droccunlt agreement. The would But Edwardes' authority meeting has never been challenged. In devitauiy nave aaseusscu une new round of plant closures.

confrontation has each ne Their oot away scot free-because the TGWU the prising. betrayals hililuusll oificials and in manv cases au ars opectee Ene unions (organised the cseti time the convenors as well. through actually A fight must begin now supported the closure of 13 Shop stewards at the Cowlet plants original A ssembly Plant have pledged Ilne er Edwardes plan. They argued not to accept the SDi if the that was closure is resisted at Solihull.

lccessal) Postal ballot to knife strike Brian Mathers, pro curees so colapse the votes collapse the Midlands Regional Secre- strike. tary of the TGWU has Fresh from these labours, been busy in the last few Mathers then began to turn weeks. his attentior eo toresallid any act iohreatened of das It took him a great deal threatened of effort the cusul C DIants. three collapse

OTINE

Sonor Small wonder then, that month strike in defence of Mathers ride got rough 1,000 jobs at the Ansell's hom malalants wnen ne gol brewery up to speak at a rally to greet the Peoples March fo Failed w.nen anuved Sandwell last Saturday. All his -Soreaibues orients. Ansells strikers and had failed others loined in boos and jeers that drowned out his Istans owl postal ballot over the heads of the Ansells voice. shop stewards, telling indiv- Having personally members that assisted in the massacre of IuudwU "the time has come 1,000 jobs that weck a decision' and urging them Mathers could speak at first dispute hand of unemployment- ene une ane accept redundancy from pay- the other side of the ments. fence! Mathers, •lewaros lougeT ToT however, boycott but after months of remains of the Ullt uarnes

TGWU

sabotage, Mathers' Star. une wormne while the Star shrank ulanocuvit wd. Ent straw for many workers, and modestly from criticising the 14:00

STRKE

TO WIN

SMASH T

EDWARDE

PLAN

But the kev lies in the threatened plants them- Supporting action can selves. entecave u uney resist. A mass meeting at Rovers 12 CT w eenesav Carted resolution from . the stewards resist- committee pledging ance to the closure by all means possible But in reality the resol- ution LeNi l HuCCE much. Time is the crucial factor Although the final closure may be 11 months will away, management nove ulackay lo sail acru- tiations on severance and undermine the develop. ducat us aly iesistalct A cln na de acen now But ways have to be found to give confidence to workers racig nal conice Edwardes argues that the "not viable". . He plants are is already pointing to losses Mathers betrayed Ansells strikers, it condemned those who joined in their barracking of Mathers as "ultra-left" ele-

111 C1LS

Of course for the class struggle to make its presence so rudely felt in a "people's" gathering W ai acuie embarrassment for both the Stalinists and for Mathers.

But it is high time tha the hypocrisy of union leaders whining about unem-

JUT SUSSSP ANUM TUAIASIO

employers to axe jobs by the thousand was roundly and loudly exposed. Page 7 is the occupation of £266 million in BL's car oi ti threatened plants immediat operations, to tne recession and to the strength of the CI O a Suu pound for the in support in the rest of tl IvaDUils combine. cosutes achieve this Workers must immediat- ely be given threatened plants must answer together. A Inese ouesuons savs and stewards fro that those were the losses in the car side? tne inreatenea oails saou be convened immediately not that BL paid give confidence to the wor T milom To te banke " actic the interest on the so-called and

IOICO

DIUDUS

"hand-outs" against the closures. vcillllcllt The combine committ which meets on June 6, mu £100 million on redundan- cies and closures? this initiative. A conferen Edwardes has iust had a of BL workers and stewar 52% pay increase giving him £100,000 year-open the shoula be calieq to extel support and organise books of BL! Workers have the right to Lanlct *Occupy the five plan secure should lob. wny noW Call they be thrown on the scrap for suppo heap because of the crisis of throughout BL. a systemn uney cant Conte *Open the books of BL and because of the policies *Black all movement of a reactionary and mantioment government proaucuion or machmes. The only effeçtive action Metro strikers return to work Last week 900 different. workers the • Mini strike on Metro crne Metro assembly track in created entirely by offensi management's Longbridge voted to hrsue unt Darl return to work after a Work effort on the Met week on strike against has reached the stage whe speed-up on the track. are pushed out

WUIKCIS

station because they cann During That •week C nC hold the job-thej are th less 4 mass meetings were held to pressure them by manageme for "insufficient effort" into a return to work. Iwo This came to a head wi those meetings .were the headliner addressed the district by out-they walked officials as well T.nf quickly followed by the I works committee. The dis- of the 900 workers in t referred to by pute was trim assembly area Thatcher in parliament, This is typical of was suntessiy athd thessure Eventually offensive going on throu, and

OUT

industr) was broken generals a ty presly tti The strike was essentially link very jobs. about Speed up to the dispute in Ford Ha putting a0ou WOrKeIS Or wood over discipline pro the dole and the ending of dures this strike is another step in Pious speeches will 1 Loar anecuon defend jobs or protect The irony is that the very unemployed officials who pressed for this The defence oi l oaracha

WOTK

means the full strength support the People's Marct the trade unions being u: for Jobs. at the point where jobs More plous neal is genti threatened, thus creating ated in the official trade conditions for the employ union movement about the government ana tne evs unempo menı „a pushed back on the issue any other issue-but in prac- tice the story is aiways vers

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COURT

ATTACKS

SCOTS

SIT IN

The Edinburgh Court of Session last week fined 54 TGWU members £100 each their steward £150 for taking part in a sit-in strike. They defied warrant of election issued by a sheriff's officer, and twice to orders before the Lord Brand, to answer the injunc- tion. The dispute, at Bestobell Insulation Glasgow management centres on viganisallon, uncy nave been sivy done lagging work. is a sinister development.

TGWU

comes only a few days 1l1 Vill" bers from the 7/162 branch, atter the tirst injunction was issued against pickets under to polemakers. The strikers were evicted Prior's so-called from their initial sit-in at the ment Act. scott shipyard, With union officials time where lagging work is and proving dontairs done selves vomitely then occupied the company's offices. The judge announced that tempted was imprison them for contempt The strikers atte the that cec ared their fight would go on, and they would pay Jut. mes. Bestobell's is again being picketed. The whole This use of the courts to car production in Britain fine and attempt to intimi- is at a standstill as we go date fighting defence of trade union rights with press. strikers at Halewood say- Ayr ing that they return until the company withdraws its disciplinary code. pickets The code was without union and provides for the suspen- ion of workers in unofficial strikes both fined the shift in which the strike takes place and for the next shitt as well. In Elgin District Court began when four body plant workers were suspended for on Tuesday last, Sheriff P.B. Smith imposed fines relusing to work sible standards of £100 each on pickets involved in an industrial dispute at Ayrshire Marine Constructors at Hunterston in December of last year. The fines were levied under the charges of breach of the peace for blocking a access road to the private yard Although recognising miles behind on that no-one was physically prevented trom going £850! Sheriff Smith

WUIK

described the presence of the pickets "potentially ambitious alarming" Another 43 still await sentence Dominic Sullivan, former money is raised as well shop steward on the site said "This decision has lar boost to put us back on target.

reaching implications for the trade union we will be looking for their support continue the fight." Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office, Signed articles do not necéssarily represent the views of the • A film touring union well-attended to challenge the courts or the Tory government, every behind such legal attack strenginens the employers. and file involvement. Defence The Scottish 1200UT movement must rally to the defence these workers They have made it clear that they want to defend all jobs, and that ther want boilermakers redeployed right wing off lagging work leadership. 1 Cl witness to mont the employers has brought them into. won the support of Curlill same law - ASTMS and SOGAT. will haw —ine Prior which restricts the rights of every trade unionist. The back their and Taem action mobilised against any further legal harassment.

Employ- Messages/money J.P McKenna,

TGWU

216 West Street, them- Regent unwitne ulascow Halewood halted of Ford At As workers walked out in their defence production was hit lay offs began. By Monday last 10,000 shifts and worKers both assembly and body plants will not were in dispute. vants, Management Revenue have weighed in with the now punitive threal

IVUELIC

or closure- Union though the Halewood plant been the whelmingly site of £207 imposed agreement the mun investment in prepar- pay ation for the new Escort.

TGWU

national official who engage Ron Todd put on the spot the mass walkout calling out strike mallacement ac "rethink" disciplinary future. dispute workers should code• insist that the conclusion reached at the CPSA is that the code is scrapped Brighton to impos- and hard-won conditions protected. trade unionists conference. Fund Emergency for escalation indefinite strikes Opposed With only ten days to go to the end of May we are The National our monthly fund. €252.28 is all we've got, nearly £600 short of our monthly target of me the lend of actel We know it is hard when we are raising an idiocy £2,500 Special Fund not to forget the tence that they regular fund but it is nonetheless essential that this week report, page 10). So we must give the monthly fund an immediate the left had to pull in behind the position put by Militant Rush your contribution immediately to: supporters and Socialist Press Monthly Fund Dave Customs and Excise Branch.

BM Box 5277, London WCIN 3XX called indefinite

SOCIALIST

PRESS *

crew from - ITV's TV Eye' has been confer- ences following the fight for the deputy leadership of the Labour party. But they have run into a real problem of balance. While Benn has held well-publicised and fringe meetings, Healey's cam- paign has been largely the scenes, remote from any rank Here Healey is caught leaving the EETPU con- ference, where he was roundly heckled, but picked up the endorse- ment of the extreme Chapple Benn, meanwhile has

CIVIL SERVANTS

STEP UP FIGHT

their annual ports, airports and passport offices; for the maintenance conferences last week the of all other selective strikes Civil and Public Services (such as the computers now Association, the Society increase in the vul. lor de of Civil and Public Ser- strike levy; for a national, all members five day strike the Inland Staff Federa- national demonstra- tion and lobby of Parlia- tion and the Civil Service ment; and emergency all voted benefit payments to be • made the

DHSS

to step up and Depart. Employment campaign to sections. bring out more members on selective strike and to Discussions build for a week long all- the The In near resolution instructed the NEC to begin discussions with the The key debate was held other civil service conference in unions Une need for an all-out indefinite where delegates strike. representing nearly half the It was clear that the the civi leadership was in for a major service met for their annual defeat speaker alei speaker hammered home the resolutions need to step tabled for the pay campaign up the action and bring the government to ranged from simple demands Is Knees of the action Even Ken Thomas, through to calls for all out general secretary and norm- ally faithful mouthpiece the right wing, refused bail out the Moderate Group ship Executive was left Marion opposed all the resolution.

Chambers (fresh from being off her own section Vulc executive attempt to do significant tactical a King Canute and turn back and simple incompe- Indeed int hae ol anger showed all Foolishly she challenged conference delegates could deliver wine more than 60% The support in Eventually all sections of their branches it has down the come front. moved Liverpool With delegates streaming forward, the President, Kate the Losinska, went a re as ne action the carrot-dyed hair she Workers Socialist League.

Ken Thomas screamed for order Clearly the : problein now May force the Civil Service toniCs leader- Counci of then an all-out strike for a week seems inevitable. respect their man- but tere wul be stron! date and act sections of members who With the campaign into will simply refuse to go back its tenth week there is after week's WOrK leadership strike-and crack the the resoive of the membership.

will rapidly lose control over unofficial all-out the whole campaign. action is beginning to break What seems clear is that out in some areas. improved above government, though 7% (probably with promises been hit severely oi arbitration next year wil terms of its income. is stil be put to the membership demoralise The fight for all activists servants by stonewalling uneT Against this background massive rejection of any such bureaucracy sell-out proposals faced with quite a problem.

they cannot