Socialist Press no. 75

JOIN FIREMEN'S FIGHT:

BREAK LIB-LAB

The biggest danger facing the firemen's 30% pay claim is their union leaders. These officials have consis- tently refused to spell out the of the claim implications which brings firemen InTO with conflict not their employers in local authorities Lib-Lab with une cod- ition government, determined to enforce its 10% limit on Blessing And they have given their blessing to the use of 12,000 troops in a massive scabbing operation matched scale 1926 General the by Strike. Despite this kind of leader- ship, firemen have responded with virtually 100% solidarity official strike call. the Driven into struggle by rigid restraint, pay

SOCIALIST

PRESS

Weekly paper of the Workers Socialist League * No. 75 * November 16, 1977 * 15p

MERSEYSIDE.

SUES AFREEN REE

HAT WILL GIVE

AN EXTRA APACR NEES.

ARE PREPAREHE DOOR

PAY

N THEIR

RRORDER TOATTAIN

COALITION

consciously holding back on now reflect the militancy on wages that runs throughout action-leaving the firemen to fight the pay code alone.

the working class. Their strike is the first By forcing the firemen major test of the 10% policy ment has shown it is prepared in the public sector. Already thousands workers see people maimed killed in fires and accidents private industry settlements in excess of the rather than workers regain their living standards. 10%. In this they are eagerly Now the government applauded by the CBI and by use the public determined to leading Tory spokesmen. sector DUEWarK Telegraph column- Sunday against a huge surge of wage ist Peregrine claims. the Chilean supporter of Under these conditions the coup, this week praised role of the NUM leadership in Callaghan as the best Prime 95% delaying action on their Minister since Churchill claim is criminal. Left-talking because of his stand on pay.

Yorkshire president Scargil prattle about burying may Deaths the 10% but he pulled back at the And throughout the press crucial point-when could have beer and media every report miners loaded with hysterical brought into action alongside the firemen. lying propaganda to suggest not the NUPE leaders, who that is firemen, And today rejected a 10% offer coalition government's policy of control that for 1 million manual workers responsible for the deaths.

in local authorities, are also IT. The untrained army scabs win unew annuatca vemcie.

are a vital part of this propa- ganda war. The government knows that troops cannot do the firemen's job. They offer no protection to anyone. Opposition The main object is not to fight fires but to pile pressure on the firemen's leaders.

Home Secretary Rees and other Ministers have carefully noted FBU General Secretary Terry Parry's opposition to the strike decision and his attempts to head off action ¡ney are cynicany conna- ent that Parry will do nothing to strengthen and extend the scope of the strike They expect that a few rapid deaths will assist him in pressing his members to drop the claim and return to work, with the 10% limit intact.

The firemen's claim, despite its lack of any call for

INSIDE:

Ireland (Part 3) SPAIN - Statements and Manoeuvres

BOSSES' ANSWER TO HEALEYS

PAY LAWS

PREPARE

TO

NUM

LEADERS

ACCEPT 12-MONTH RULE

...p10 .. p8

PRESS GANG

• REMAN

EATS HES

SIKKE

VIGHT DA)

case. Like thousands mor workers they have a legi mate claim that must be wo in full. Councils of Action In every FB area the must call on support fros the loca labour movement There must be a fight t build councils of action bringing together delegate from local union branche tenants committees working class political orgar isations, with a perspective o mobilising full support to th firemen and urging sections of workers to pre ahead with their own wag claims in defiance of the 10 limit and the 12-month rule.

In particular local NUP

NUM

and branches support such moves ar demand their own leaders ca immediate actic to them alongside the firemen. Amid the hysteria of t Tory press, 15 Labour 'left are claiming to support ti firemen's claim. The Tribur group have typically claime that the firemen are a speci Parry CasC But if they seriously wat protection of wages against to see the victory of the fir future inflation, represents a men, these MPs should beg vital challenge to the pay by voting against the wag limit and existence of the Lib-Lab coal- Lib-Lab coalitic cutting government and use

IT S

THOTEL

If the 10% limit is broken, troops to break a vital p strike. so will the confidence of the Liberal Party and the Tories Exposed in Callaghan's ability to attack the working class. They should be fighti And workers could grasp throughout the labour mo the opportunity to break the ment for the removal of t coalition once and for all.

Calagnan healey leadersm.

But their past record in Millions cates that these "leits take up no such fight The firemen's 30% claim By their deeds the establish could create the bridgehead dispute 10% limit through leaders of the working cla both 'left' and 'right can which millons more puone other exposed inadequate sector and workers as if they to workers needs. must pass are The need is for a rev their • pay

OWI

demands. utionary leadership based therefore fight for the comple Firemen the must see their struggle as a part of political independence of ti working class and a socia the battle of the whole work- ing class against wage control.

regain IC

DIO GILLC

"special defend living standards They are not

WORKERS RISE AGAINST

•INTERNATIONAL

S.AMERICAN

DICTATORS

month of a The great majority of the scene last of workers unpara- Latin American countries country's lleded the are at present ruled by history since the reactionary military dic- Guayaquil in massacre tatorships who compete 1922. with each other in brutal- ity in their suppression of the labour movement and all forms of popular resis- miles tance. Yet despite the severity of In the last three weeks it is the despite the in Argentina that the most repression, them had support these political gang- dramatic upsurge of workers' of buildings sters give to each other struggle has taken place receive from the imperialists major strikes in the invaded the and the Stalinists, they have railways and the Buenos Aires workers crush the building not been able Underground spread to other LU fighting strength of the work- public sectot workers-to cana He dockers in Buenos Aires and mg class. Santa Fe, to electricity and Courage their deaths. board workers water The Minister Rosario, Santa Fe and Buenos Over the last few months Aires and to workers in the almost daily proof has come that the Killed but stalt on company. of the courage of hundreds of sucide strikers, workers thousands in order to Gunpoint their organis- maintaining ations under appalling condit- The strikes did not stop bold taking there but went on to affect and in were

TOTA

actions when they know that others have a number of major firms in massacre been killed the private sector-the an- govern Alpargatas and Alpesa textile death. factories and the Peugot car the that main mosi

WORKS

The public sector workers towns. working driven back resistance were reportedly to work more or less at gun- class. and In both pont. The extent of the mass have Peru, strike leader on the the demonstrations against Buenos Aires Underground is hard to assess economic shot dead by the FOrKing was also of the news black- This incident becaust security forces. out imposed by the dictator- The was publicised half-hourly on nominally a ship; and the same problem the radio with the threat that exists for other parts of the elected one, the same fate would await continent. any other striker who did not But reports leaked out this return to work. week of a renewal of workers' Kidnapped from action even in Chile where a The latest reports of the generation Colombia

COLD CLO

The authorities appear to the day workers' leaders were death one 1973 large September slaughtered after the kidnapped general IRVe of coup. number otnel

SUNKC

their fate is and strike over Senders reported from the unknown Even if the current strike Teniente' copper mine, the been temporarily largest in the country, where wave up at least 25% 24 people have so far been labour controlled, it has shown of the critical position of the for given sentences force were refusing to work.

the

PISON

helping to organise the strike and at least ten unions which

ZIONIST GANGSTERS

do not belong to the yellow 'union' federations run by the been bourgeois parties have

GUN DOWN CIVILIANS

banned. They include the Bogota bus drivers' union. Hundreds of workers have been sacked In writing last week of for participating in the strike.

by directing retaliated This degree of repression, the recent changes in the the Katyusha

TOCKETS

however, has not stopped the of Israeli administration we by the OI acton Nahariyah. referred to them as a Colombian workers. Since the general strike there have been of former government the several important prolonged gangsters. strikes various

NOCKOS.

of the last week Events militant including the have clearly shown that Begin teachers. south and his accomplices remain as Hazzleyah, A major strike of oil refin- much gangsters as they ever Туте. ery workers has caused prob- Nearby were. Welc lems for government avoided

LITE

The air raids on villages August. The police since and refugee bulldo Vietnam, ald seige to the town wncie Lebanon on place and * took Wednesday November left those were most of the leaders. of which razed a number settlements the this cal- small Nationalised deliberate ground and killed over 100 culated The demands of the strike, Zionist normal which came diplomatic end last week, improving temporary issued position over heaps of dead Lebanese been not only for have bodies. protect increased to During the previous week workers against the cost of the Israelis began to bombard Nabatieh, still 40°c a year, but also that the the town of deserted the largely nationalised o1l civil war in the area should not be handed to the When a number of people been accomodating were killed. Palestinian forces leiahhourino Frugdor was SlateC ll Videla regime and its inability to implement its pro-capital- which ist economic policies, require a total repression of all workers' struggles. Its repression in fact was not sufficient to get the latest sttikes carea oll. il was aise forced (without apparently being able to consult CYCl Chilean butcher Pinochet with the Finance Minister Martinez de Hoz who was on of his begging missions Europe) grant some which broke wage increases its own limit of 40%. This is a symptom of the though regime's weakness, the concessions were minimal compared with the demands workers. They demanding increases of 80%- 130%. These are modest demands in view of the fact that since January 1976 real wages in Argentina have fallen by over admit that he tinians, to could the not condemn israelis who had been 'under severe provocation'. Israelis Furthermore, the were able to time their raid for the same day as the state- ment of President Sadat of Egypt that he would attend Knesset, Israel's parlia- ment, if necessary, in order to negotiate 'peace'. Such a visit would natural- ly pay nothing more than lip service to the interests of the Palestinians. Sadat, under strong from Saudi Arabia pressure and the USA, has now clearly become the front runner in efforts of the Arab bourgeois- to ditch the Palestinians and settle with the Zionists.

In further bombing raids as we go to press Israeli forces killed another have civilians. These moves show the lengths they are prepared to go to in order to reintorce their version of "peace" Demonstration in Colombia.

60% and the massive rate of inflation Shots cut below its present being level of well over 1007 ₫ The of the abject working the it has the virtually for a wide internal to the especially Lue olner assistance Soviet Europe and Union. Cuba. While strikers, Soviet govern- Europe regimes oi high- were powered delegation New were Poland and Rumania their So political criminal • muracrou:

SUDDOLL

Stalinists to build the working hangmen class in America, in power ialist and friends, unswerving despite repressive from invincible. It is a decisive moment to build up the struggle inside the British workers' move- ment and solidarity with the class of Latin working America through economic and arms boycotts against the imposed dictatorships to be by working class action.

BRING

DOWN

PETERSON

"REACTIONAR

REGIME

organise free trade unions in Queensian 1.

-IN BRIEF-

INDIA

Ex-dictator Indira Gandhi was slightly injured during a Party demonstration Janata in South west mold aganise tour of the her continued country to win back support.

SPAIN

Lister, Secretary Enrique General ot the minute pro• Workers Communist Somet Party has been permitted to return to Spain by the Suarez government. launched immediately CP Secre- an attack against tary General Santiago Carrillo "political whom he called a gangster" Carrillo had himself just returned from Moscow where Se haid ben pre enniversary celebrations Reto e TreasOns leaders • because he arrived too late Carrillo has basked in the attacks from both Lister and Moscow. He is proud, he said.

measure he Suare z

BANGLADESH

92 Soldiers have now been sentenced to death and others after the prison terms which October followed the attempted coup on October 2.

GUYANA

The government of Forbes Burnham has been forced to 300 strike-breaking withdraw troops which were being used against a strike in the sugar industry which has lasted for The climbdown montis followed an embargo on oil Guyana shipments imposed by oil workers' trade unions in Trinidad

PANAMA

The treaty which allows the United States to intervene after its formal occupation of the Canal Zone ends in 2,000 was approved by 66% of the in a referendum. This, however, was less than dictatorship the Torrijos hoped for and it is clear that to this imperialist resistance treaty is far from finished.

TUNISIA

of strikes swept A Wave across the country last week after a reported attempt to the leader of the assassinate "trade union" Habit state Achour. Though he claims his relations with President Bour- giba are still "excellent" there is suspicion that Bourgiba's regime might have had some thing to do with the attempt.

killing after Achour's ed "union" took the unprece dented step of calling a one.

day strike

POOS WIZER

workers on November 3. This split at the top of the Destour Party reflects huge Socialist working class resistance to semi-dictatorial Bourgiba's regime.

UND

POLICE

STATE

IN

QLD

Pickets demanding restoration of right to demonstrate and

SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 16 November 1977

-INTERNATIONAL

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT

SPAIN'S SOCIAL CONTRACT

Stalinist leaders — eager acceptance "No Santiago Carrillo: find its whole party could in the pact but our unite we can and will find a part of our programme, together with concessions we nave nad to make... The agreements of Moncloa are a step towards social justice" (weekly Mundo Obrero, organ of the Central Commit- tee of the Spanish Commun- ist Party): "Note that, contrary other what happened in European countries at the end of periods of fascist dictatorship, here, since the of elections June 15, dominant political force, alliance of forces, emerged 'No political party can legitimately say: the elector- ate has given a majority man- date for this or that particular solutions, programme, these CP leader Carrillo with Francoist leader Suarez.

these methods. What • the election did mandate for show was democracy. "But a democracy to be constructed in the actual con- ditions and in a struggle with positions of vested interests, strength and habits from the immediate Francoist past.

"In the context of these concrete aspects problem, the discussions and agreements between the government and the political parties in the parliamentary constitute spectrum important democratic ..." triumph. Marcelino Comacho (General Secretary of the Communisi Party-dominated Workers Commissions): Felipe "With one hand Gonzalez signs the Moncloa Pact with the other he pushes Nicolas Redondo attack Carrillo welcomed by fascist leader Fraga to the exclusive Pact. That shows the the Siglo XXI club

ZIMBABWE -THE

PLOT THICKENS

Field Marshall at the secret 2 am meeting of Lord Smith and Zambian President Carver is the man that Kaunda organised in Lusaka British Foreign Secretary in September by international David Owen wants to "Tiny' capitalist Rowland. install the military as (Rowland is the boss of dictator of Zimbabwe. Lonrho which has major investments on both sides of His role is to oversee the the Zambesi). Imposion or a neo-colonial- ist constitution and the dis- Alternative armament of the black free- dom fighters. It appears that what was Last week Carver flew off discussed at this meeting was to Africa to try to get himself to the Owen an alternative accepted in this role. pan safe! in walch some allance Reports his efforts of nationalist leaders . OF Carver could hardly be more contra- would take over the govern- dictory. According to his own split in the Patriotic Zimbabwe open ment in without ZANU and version, the trip was a glitter- of Front in which the intervening stage diplomatic

ZAPU

involved and have been Carver's military dictatorship everyone was on the point of since last year. supposed agreement. The Carver's fallure of convene elections. mission was swiftly followed Mugabe's ZANU No progress has seen the Lusaka talks as a the dropping British plan to hold a new plan to exclude ZANU from Rhodesia Conference in Malta According to racist leader final settlement, which Ian Smith, no progress what- this week. would install Nkomo (of soever was made. ZAPU), perhaps in an alliance Owen and the Americans are very fearful of losing the black to the with the "internal" leaders

ACCOUNC

nationalist leaders they initiative arbiters do Muzore and thole. as Africa even though acknowledge Carver's Mugabe accused southern even at present that initiative may right to intervene. Niomo of having attenaed And according to US the talks. Despite be seized instead by a reac denials tionary alliance of Smith, the diplomats Carver's trip was from both Nkomo and one long diplomatic bungle!

"front line states" and Strung that suspicion black wanderings seem Nkomo at sections Larves strong was be of a sideshow Zimbabwean leadership. to bit associated with the Icast slice m other ways lne lmoel- meeting. bitner way int cemocrali ialists efforts to impose their the Zimbabwean rights Split vorkers and beasants wil be = seasogly suppressed in the interests of internal incoherence of the diversions w pan it and (Socialist] the party Biltzar, (fortnightly journal of the Workers Com missions): "Politically speaking, it is easy to recognise the positive nature or us agrcement al d time of renewed violence and old threats. but the key ques tion which has to be asked of the trade unions is different: does the declaration mean a step fOroke r tommissions Workers Commissions have answered at all levels: we believe it does "We think that even though the document talks of sacrifices, although has insufficiencies (on unemploy- ment), serious omissions (pensions, minimum wage) even frankly and unaccept- able measures (a maximum wage increase of 20-22% and threat cut down manning by 5%) "In spite of that we still think the agreement for positive workers "Because it affirms that sacrifices have to be made by all Because it recognises the

CODE

WORKERS

RIGHTS

and

WORKERS'

CONTROL'

in the working out of measures to deal with such

1W0RS

SECURITY

'Because it recognises the for CHANGES IN

THE

need

PRESENT

FRAMEWORK

OF LABOUR RELATIONS.

'That is decisive. Because IF IT IS

PUT

INTO

PRACTICE it would mean democracy would enter factories, ( the would reach power centres the OI economic bunker and open up a new model of growth.

-Phony embargo No resolution of the United Nations has ever advanced the struggle of the workers and the oppressed classes of the world. "mandatory The arms embargo" South Africa will be no exception. ban cover The doesn't In existing contracts. any case, it will be easy to evade.

already has South Ainca its own armaments industry with (established of course the help of the countries) Socialist Party - two faced opportunism Socialista, (weekly organ of the Socialist Party

(PSOE) ):

"Our country going through a difficult period in the political field, related to the problems transition OI from a dictatorship to a fully democratic situation; and in the economic field because o.

the inability of the previous introduci coherent economic policy whicl something foI the socialists, of course, bear no responsibility whatever. "At this difficult moment and given the incoherence of the government, the socialists were faced with two options equally unacceptable, though for different reasons "On the one hand a deep- ening of the social crisis with the idea of later enjoying the power today held by others; but the relation of forces ir this country today make that option unviable "On the other hand the acceptance of what has been "Social Pact" called which would make the he eronomic chestich crisis, which economic would be inadmissible Both options, as we said, are for different reasons un- acceptable to the socialist "For us the way out of thi crisis has to be by a different materiais like oil have already been stockpiled. The South African defence probably Clans without much exageration, that the country is about to start exporting arms. But the ban, for which the US imperialists voted is got designed to have any effect o= Soute Airica imperialist governments give some appearance while fighting racism South Aircar capitalism Page 3 route so that the burdens do not tall as they always do, on the working class. "So that these burdens be equitably shared and at the same time enough is got in government to justify the sacrifices which are asked for. "We socialists have discuss ed the programme presented by the government. we have improved it and sent it back from so that where it the government, under parlia- mentary control, can admin- ister it "Will they know how? In any event the historic change which our time demands will not permit manoeuvres whose omy objective Is mere survival in power." Nicolas Redondo (Secre- tary general of the UGT, the Socialist trade union). "Flexibility in the size o the workforce (ie uncontrol.

led sacking) is unacceptable and maintain we ou reticence about the wage ceiling imposed Moncloa Pact pact already indicated though that doesn't mean UGT is going that the to maintain a combative attitude towards the economic pact".

In cahoots: Suarez with PSOE leader Felipe Gonzalez Even resolutions only in slightly "tougher tone submitted by African states were unhesitatingly vetoed by the imperialists. No sanctions against South Africa can achieve anything they are imposed by the labour movement itself- not in the form of occasional token "weeks of action" so dear to trade union bureau- crals our m tie Iori ol al- out indefinite embargoes on supplies of arms and all other trade with the racist regime.

Nonchalant Until that happens the African will South regime continue to look nonchalant- sanctions and continue present murderous policies. Certainly it was no weak.

ening of Vorster's repressive intentions that prompted the that pass laws would be abolished. The existing passes are to be replaced issued by the "indep ments endent" Bantustans This concession. Urban blacks will find them- selves under as much surveill- ance as ever. force Vorster's apartheid pla- which attempts 1: 2052:30 30 3203 =3= .... Bantustan poverterers

Page 4

TO HEALEY'S

PAY LIMITS

at the same rate for a year).

If judge your you economic news from the manufacturers year face of the look on the prices have gone up by nearly TV newsreaders then its 20%. But. over all good these nearly months they have risen. days. under two percent so this is The reserves reach for the annual called an sky; the exchange rate of the 6.1%. pound goes up; and the

TALE

of inflation is coming down Price code for unheard of revers nearly a decade. Hence this the last six device alone makes it look as

INTATION

they have started to months, to tell "really" is down faster than it really is.

us. And the single figures. message is clear:

DR CONCIL

these inflation figure wage with single especially increase. present. Workers and their families One is the fact who have to pay the prices, new government must be instinctive- however, into force ly incredulous in the face of three months ago. these economic "facts" does nothing to control prices Several rates in the interests of consumers it does make the increase of And a close look at what certainly prices the figures a mole justifies the incredulity.

In fact the governmeal capitalist press have and the several "rates of inflation" Each of them is calculated different way and they in a can be publicised very selec- tively according to which one most closely to moving wants government what the working class to believe is "really" to infla- happening There is, therefore, plenty of chance for sleight of hand.

The first trick "rates of inflation" publicise which refer to prices which no consumer ever pays. there are So, fores for instance, which two present time are getting a lot of publicity. One is the rate of increase "manufacturers' output of prices" and the other the rate of price rises notified to the Price Commis- sion". the sliding scale of wages procedure for capitalists.

Mystification There were These rates of inflation at the present time are showing into force. a yearly rate of increase of 6.1% and 7.3% respectively.

price This, we are invited to nave come allyway "the believe, real under- inflation" rate of lying brought forward. some such mystification. so And Manufacturers' output prices refer to the wholesale leadingly low. of manufactured all Secondly, prices goods-not merely goods for consumption. much as possible during So it includes many things first part which do

LILU

workers' cost of living. imposed ал And it exciudes even more strictly affect the things which do freeze cost of living (all fresh foods, the nationalised industries.

rent, travel, fuel etc). The prices reported to the Price Commission are leading partly for the same reason but also because only certain firms (the large ones) last week have to report increases.

to an end. Statistical trick The iow rates of inflation mat. these figures =::: living of =: present itered ey snother starstical iamiles. tnen inis despite

BOSSES ANSWER

publi- And the (hardly So, for instance, in the last cised) official Treasury esti- output mate of inflation is that it will not fall to single figures before the end 1978 at the last three the earliest. by Even by the government's figures the present time is far of rate from being the best momeni for years in respect it is the worst: the inflation, and between earnings gap increases over the last price statistical maximum- year indicating a drop in average much least falling of living at 8% over the past year. But two other things make to sav at It is importanl figures look least because the basic defect favourable which all these have inflation _rate that that the they are common Price of Code calculated bv arency capitalist state, behind just the working the backs Code class whose cost of living they the Price are supposed to measure. of statistical Ine amount which is trickery such possible TGWU Conference delegates - one-third voted for of the sliding salt no purget advantages, terre ree new code came working class must by the code control new always be tied to the Conu calculation of price of the That means that a range of class rises through its okin indep working TIseS increases which would over the endent trade union last three months were simply housewives committees. Appearance the last three months inflation rate is mis- The. of this importance becomes all the becomes tail sections ople in an effort to more dress up the inflation rate as making seen the bourgeoisie of Phase 3 of the use of something which has the appearance of the sliding for their own purposes. scale capitalist Historically the temporary) class has in periods of falling price. increases l capitalist prices forced "sliding scale" on downward the workers. Phoney truce During the Second World Britain many wages War in The announgement of new were tied to a cost of living 16% fare rises by British Rail which then was that this shows by the flagrantly rigged phoney truce is now coming Churchill government. If we look at the price Indexation which the government So it was not too surpris- says is its estimate of the cost find the Financia! ing to working economic still shows Tinies Sa=. Brittan sommentater. ior the las:

ACCA

the cost of living. Brittan's objective is very clearly stated: not the main- living tenance standards of workers but how to keep wage increases to a minimum. He criticizes the coalition policy pay government; because he argues, it will lead of increase faster to a Talt than there would be without Low increases indexation of To Brittan, wages would be designed to "bribe" unions to annual accept a increase in wages in exchange later increases as the cost for of living rises. The fact that sections of the bourgeoisie want to use inflation-linked wages in this way should be a clear warning imposed on living standards to workers. fight for the sliding The the last two years. scale of wages-for an infla- tion-proof standard of living- must be linked not only to Capitalist like Brittan may dispute with control of the esti- workers' mation of price increases but Healey over thạt also to the for keeping demand sliding scale down but they are complete- before a new begins, wage levels must ly united in restore the increased ravages which inflation has dards to be impermissible.

byfascists schools have Schools have never ground for the most pleasant been hatred and fascism. in, but places to WOrK the last few years over have become onto they the "reds". worse as increasingly amounts of enormous money have been hacked away from the education- al system. the teachers school when Today National leave school many students Students. find not jobs but only the

NUSS

The dole queue. taken the Age limit out mind London It is with this that the National Front have including lower their had the mis decided the YNE iTOT age limit minimum Is and io set sets-ide Young Nators SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 16 November 1977 Healey Workers, however, need no cost of living maex lo them the importance of that United fight today Restore and defend living commentators standards! For a sliding scale of wages the best tactic under workers control! increases Break the 10% rule! coalition Destroy the declaring government! attempt to restore living stan- NUSS fights drive NUT leaders however have done nothing worth noting so far the fight against

YNF.

But we are told that the become fertile be

YNF

likely the racial breeding of motions at subject year's national conterence.

Their aim is to divide the Anti-fascist committees of working class by blaming the teaching unions and NUSS in black people established

IT LIST

where the YNF oF NF have attempted to gain a foothold Initiative Wherever possible, action to stop must This new threat from the Bulldog being distributed NF has to be fought through unions and the Union of School

STILL AVAILABLE

already The Fight Against has by initiative Youth Unemployment producing a leaflet which was A Policy for Youth ourside certain sites Price 10p plus ip p&p sundol 4 HSL Youth Pamphlet

F::= HSL

31. Dartmout Pss Hill London lih:

LABOUR'S "DISSIDENT

STRIPPED OF POSI

Benn tour to boost mines SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 16 November 1977 leading and unemployment in Alex Kitson, Labour's crypto-Tories end Britain. their tame 'lefts' like Heffer.

Left'

TGWU

'Broad This could best begin by CLP's should demand that official, has been deposed Kitson moving a motion on in buti NEC, his case to Tine of the as chairman Kitson

NEC

for im mediate Labour m ust the Labour Party's Organis- break in the Lib-Lab coalition the logical conclusion draw speech: the expulsion the Committee and of his Moscow and ation up fight Callaghan-Healey leadership.

must take replaced by right winger improve living standards and Brian Stanley of the Post Office Engineers Union. As Home Secretary Merlyn Behind this move is the Rees pitched into the firemen furore kicked up by Labour last week in Parlament, he right wingers and even by predictably won the support 'lefts about remarks some of Tory spokesman William made by Kitson about the Whitelaw and Labour's coal- Soviet Union. ition partners in the Liberal Party. Achievement Eric Heffer, however, em- broiled in his moves against In a speech on the 60th he Alex Kitson, made sure October Anniversary Revolution, Kitson made the did not overstep the mark by the firemen's unchallengeable point that supporting in the Soviet economy, with claim. particular its elimination simply called Instead he had unemployment, already "'intervene on Rees and achieved "much that we are intervene"' until a 'settlement' still far from achieving" was reached. Speaking represen- The fruits of Rees 'inter-

TUC,

tative of the Scottish vention' will be seen the observer trom ana as an 12,000 troops wheel out their Labour

NEC,

Kitson 2S0 "unswerving strike-busting praised. the antiquated growth in the living standards equipment this week. workers" ordinary Russia Both points of course con- vividly state affairs in Russia with the against

YIYOI

aLLaLKS workers being carried out by ш e н0 cà cov0 cvvcx ment administering capitalism incentive in Britain. Embarassment Kitson's remarks could democracy in the NUM. only de an embarassment to "lefts' like Eric Heffer plan who It was the right wing who have doggedly supported the insisted on holding the ballot Lib-Lab deal and the policies conference annual that flow from it. voted against produc- had It was Heffer tivity deals. If the right wing had won point of raising discussion on Kitson's speech at that ballot they would have

LABOWT S

Committee International enchained the left with their Secretary, Energy meting last week. majority. emerged position was Tony Benn, they have lost they Now parallelled by Labour's seek to back right wingers black faced from Park- crypto-Tory right extreme who wish to opt out. side Colliery last week to If it were not for the press Hule. tell the world outside Reg Recent deserter and Tory MPs continuing to clash apply left and Marxist labels called that a head on Prentice at

ULE

Callaghan against Benn his role would act between the miners and Prentice's Kitson. And exposed tor what 18 —a the government is out of cronies and admirers in the the policies of cOvet for the question. well as Manifesto Group as Healey and Callaghan. Neville Sandelson MP rushed "Anyone who thinks this Like the 'nice and nasty' is a re-run of 1973-4 to denounce Kitson's mild policemen who work in pairs on reluctant prisoners, Benn's Mr Heath has completely mis- KarenaEL. understood what is going on" role is to soften up the he said. miners for the open assaults 'Drift to the left" Since the government has of Callaghan, Healey and no intention of getting within Daly R Tory defence spokesman 100 miles of the miners No amount of soot on his Sir lan Gilmour even claimed £135 claim, Benn has face or subterranean exped- laughably that Kitson's pounced the complete itions can disguise it. had been stark speech failure of Scargill to push for demonstration of the Labour a strike and has again Party's "drift to the left" VOTe rejected backed the twice would of fress productivity deals. criticise Kitson's course He clearly made no speech. Exposed independent call for the Benn's 'left" reputation has struggles of the Soviet work- been exposed time ing class to overthrow already his alliance Kremlin bureaucracy and again with the right leader- political revolution. wing of ship of the NUM takes him to This reflection new depths. position top Kitson's ballot this His. Broad Left Before the bureaucrat. had the 'silent revolutionary" accomodation of the Communist urged the tiners to vote for Stalinism and abandon- Party of Great Britain and his speed-up ment of their wage claim.

hostility to the political inde- confrontation' pendence of the British work- •no 35 19 speech after he had of clas make him inceipled came

NUM

principled been told that the putting position on the Soviet Union.

decided executive had to investigate productivity deals Defended areas that had voted in fot favour. not just openly But he must be critically Benn IS PHOTO: Mike Tomlinzon, (IFL) T Housing A meting called by Federation of Islington Tenants Associations on 8 November laid bare the inability of even the most well-intentioned Labour solve the councils to housing problem. Margaret Watson, housing glowing Chairman account of Islington's housing programme; its capital budget of £58 million is by far the largest in London. But her fine words fell flat against the storm of criticism which followed from tenants and bulding workers. admitted She to being unable to control the cowboy of bulding tactics private firms and the subcontracting

SSLCIE.

£4 million is already scheduled for repairing defects on new estates. And Kitson une Benn speaking to left admirers Labour's Record Slammed legal department battles for good of major Ilakulg faults. after speaker Speaker clamoured for a massive build of the Direct Labour up Force as the only solution-to good standards of ensure bulding,

SPIO VICC

apprenticeship training and secure em ployment

COMLI'

ions and create jots :c: Ine nemsoved ı Ms Watson boasted of the Council's record in winning central large grants trom government to maintain housing programme. fact its capitulation to In meant that Healey's cuts has the demolition of 3,600 flats estates has been on inter-war postponed 3- V yedis. was Their redevelopment previously Gecmed 'absolute priority'. The Communist Partt Tenants Federa- dominated Dios iomed entelmastical, Page 5 Hiding froma fighton racism - Faced with the twin threats of racialism and fascism the Labour Party has turned towards the security of the Liberals Conservatives and from protect them principled opposition. Although Labour some Party wards have been won to effective- anti- support fascist based cam paigns the working class, the Labou Party leadership has refused take stand against any racialism or fascism. Its campaigning has been left to speech days and holi days where immigration and import controls are not men Now the Labour Party is to give official backing to the Joint, formed Com lCWIY mittee Against Racialism Weekly reports "Liberals and Conservatives have been approached and are likely thought get involved." will make fitting These bedfellows for the racialists in the Labour leadership.

Weekly also Labour gives support to the newly formed League' 'Anti-Nazi a group set up to oppose left groups initiatives against the Nation al Front. this Apparently group- others by backed alIUlk Lawrence Daly, Alan Fisher Evening Coventry and Telegraph-reflects bureau cratic feeling that: "Too much of the anti Front campaigning has beet left to small splinter groups whose activities hare sometimes been both dirisine and counter-productive. From the Crossman diarie: Wednesday May 29, "I stayed behind to discus the PM Mr Callaghan' with notorious speech to the fire men's union. This had beer causing iremendou. sensation. He had apparently told them without any qualt ication that there will be m legislation on income more and prices. "Harold Tha said: fellow's getting abovi himself. We must teach him : lesson." Council. true colours however in the tota shown absence of any proposals io: a fight back It was left to a WSL floor speaker to call for a plan of action by bulding unions ax the Trades Council to fors: buld the councu to Dirz.. LEs:i T=s: the 5.+- illustrated by mothers on Blythe Manstor one of the inter-war estates who have baricaded conta workmen off the estate. They are apposed up repaits patching instead demand

•COLLU

Nearby a trazé

GLC

estate. parts c: compleiei. aTe nOw

GLC

s leanhs while it declares its inteito oi selling off the tars rad

of The formation bbour party in England was in "Lenin's view an enormously important step. Organising the English pro- letariat seperately from other classes represented, as he put a haif house way political proletarian genuine party the Ireland, however, labour struggle to took place in the very party the Irish nation period that was being created. classes- As a result two ie bourgeoisie and the prole- tariat-found themselves entering the stage of history at the same time. Middle class spokesmen -:*= cia ss BevtI wOrkIng

SC CN

nal 8 1d1 d. Ls= canonai aspuanons are 2=iTeS their interests were In 1909 the leader Parliamentary P=T. Reimond assured Con- == 1:333 k.LU .. E:::spT wil in the furure as in thê the function of a Irelana ... labour party. From history however, the had Irish working that pointed in a examoles rather different direction.

workers, mainly Utoxin had been promin- protestant, the late ent in agılauon n eighteenth century to restore Parliamentary macpenuchuo to Ireland. Anti-union laws Yet, this was once middle class achieved hs t used their militia the 'Volun- disperse assemblies teers' to of workers protesting against poo wor tariiament was no Parliament was pass the first anti-union com- omanon laws. The defeat of the rising of the United Irishmen saw the subordination of Ireland to England by an Act of Union concerned craft workers 1 LC Dublin. partiy with protection. supported of Daniel the campaign Connell

IOI

in independence. But retur O'Cornell ic: their sappot autacked irace 1710.75 Parnell urges peasants to withold rent causing the union set in economic decline of Dublin.

rightly Connolly James said of O'Connell that he was 'the most шьстирию us bitter of trade and enemy unionism that Ireland has yet produced'. nationalist leader, A later similar Parnell, took position when he said trade unionism landlordism of but the labour. I would not tolerate it l were at the nead such Government noclesas trade unions made little C nal lis! Ireland ever. aarance though one of its leaders O'Connor, came Feargus Cork. O'Connell was from the movement hostile because like his successors in the nationalis. Parnell he and

TD ULL

seek preferred try LU accomodation with the Eng- lish caling class for a settle-

NICAIL.

Politics shunned No settlement was forth- coming however and with the iaiure to secure repeal oi the vc zé vàś à cn SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 16 Norember 1977 Connally addressing meeting of Dublin strikers Ireland

ROOTS OF

TODAY'S

CRISIS

PART 3: The emergence of the labour movement ILP branches were This meant that when the successful labour body was Dublin and formed United Trades formed based on the Irish Dublin Waterford in 1894. English-based Association founded branches was government act 1863 it limited its objectives amalgamated skilled unions.

TO Cal restrictions of 1898 eased Belfast Iefused to Only and labour candidates, on "co-operate for the protec- participate in this movement achieved sponsored suonsses in Dinein, Limerick trade and tion inspired which promotion and feeling that Irish affairs were cucowage Dundalk, Waterford and ment of local manufacture' insufficient receiving Castlebar. the Its attention by the parent body chiecesso Was This development Dublin Trades Council which in England the considerably alarmed preoccupied itse li entureiy developments I= Belfast had nationalists no with the protection ci stille: moving F2:e desire to see the emergence workers. 1892 Ireland's Stection. of independent working class Trish Trades The Lanc fast local labour party was candidates. Congress ex liciy formed and affiliated to the "Labour and nationality itS politica ILP the next vear. together, from its must march annual conterentes insisted John Redmond, who formation in 1894. independent feared that Gas workers workers' parties might disrupt the Home Rule movement. With the craft these workers trying to ignore politics the laca! candidates elected to nationally councils achieved little. Mary initiative for based independent party especially

DUODN

working class fell to the bought off by the ver! =0=- the the poration they had ser cut = Dublin branch Union of Gas- Nationa] clean up General workers and who in Not accountable Labourers invited all trade unions in the organising country ail 10 PEr: ::S- convention actions The craft unions stayed awa! ane tee eo eme io acthing

BUREAUCRATS MANOEUVRE

SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 16 November 1977 1903, when in the main their working class electorate rejected this. Only Belfast escaped the debacle, because there the candidates carefully were chosen and under the tight discipline of the Belfast Labour Party which in turn was controlled by the Belfast Trades Council. Independent The Irish Parliamentary Party in attempt to donate cue pressure 1oI an independent workers' party permitted two of one their nationalist MPs to be chosen from labour ranks.

They would then regularly address the annual congresses of the Irish TUC and advise that body to maintain its reformist outlook, to avoid the perils of socialism, and to support the IPP. sentiment did not unchallenged, because well as the pro IPP position there body that believed that the unions should stay out of politics altogether while the Belfast delegates urged affiliation to the British labour movement.

Affiliate At first the Congress took a pro IPP line while at the same time supporting the Belfast proposal that all Irish trade unions should affiliate British Labour une Representation Committee.

Only in Belfast was this proposal upon, by William Walker contesting the Nationalist leader John Redmond James Larkin North Belfast constituency in three consecutive years 1905 to 1907. Insistent He didn't win, though he polled well. As Belfast's urgings upon the need for the Congress to establish political machinery grew more insis- tant so too did the nationalist Con-

SOVOLES

HMOR

deny the gress vigourously need for such a party. They also conjured up the fear that Home Rule would be less likely to be conceded if such parties were formed.

This argument was under- Liberal leader mined by the Asquith in 1909 when he included Home Rule in his programme. 10P development that year was the formation of the lrish Transport and General Workers Union. Socialism It was the first success- ful attempt on a large scale to organise the unskilled workers. The craft unions succeeded in keeping it out of the Congress until 1911, but its strength, organised and led by Jim Larkin, could not be resisted for long. When it entered it quickly took over and transformed the Congress, by its explicit its commument to socialism, belief in Irish unions for advocacy of Labour political Ireland aggresive action.

TO HEAD OFF MASS

MOVEMENT

As the scale of working class resistance to the Moncloa Pact, Spain's equivalent of the 'Social Contract' steadily grows, the bureaucratic leaders of the mass workers organisations face serious problems. Every demand put forward by the workers--to defend and improve living standards, defend all jobs, and_ensure full freedom of workers' organisations to organise without legal inter- ference-brings them into conflict with the Francoist regime. Yet the labour bureaucrats have staked everything on the preservation of this regime and on a perspective of simply "pressuring" it for minimal reforms within the framework of capitalism.

For this reason the bureaucrats have been forced to adopt a method of heading off the mass movement which while identical in content, is different in form from the brazenly strikebreaking stand adopted by their British counterparts. The major leaflet on the giant 200,000-strong march against the Moncloa Pact shows this clearly. There is no reference in the leaflet to the colfabor- ation between leaders of mass workers parties and the "big capitalists" verbally attacked in the first paragraph. The Moncloa deal is not even mentioned. There is no call for action against the Pact, except the talk of the "possible holding of a one-day general strike"-a policy restricted to one of protest and pressure "support for small and medium factories against the interests of Big And in the call for Capital" the road is being opened up for a class collaborationist "democratic" alliance with small scale capitalists. But the pressure of the mass movement is reflected in the advanced nature of the demands spelled out by these reformist leaders-demands amounting to a sliding scale of wages under workers control, and steps towards work sharing on full pay.

Fought for and developed by a principled leadership, such demands could provide

UKOKORRA

the basis for a massive political forward step by Spanish workers. On this page we reprint (below) the main leaflet of AL y LABORAL November 5, as well as lab- ove) another leaflet which briefly and sharply att- acked its central thrust.

To the whole working and class people of Viscaya: We, the workers of Euskadi and of the whole of Spain, living are through decisive during which moments the economic situation day by day, gets worse and in the face of which the big capitalists and the instead of government, solving the grave problems, making are them worse. Unemployment continues to rise precipitately as do consumer and prices; an being made to

ALICENDI

impose a wage freeze on us.

Big capital # Unrestricted Support for small and trade union We see that Big Capital is medium factories against the freedom and suppression of trying to keep going only interests of Big the law which permits uncon-

ENVIESEE

those Capital, businesses which since they account trolled sacking. for 80.5% of the work force profitable to them and We workers are aware of abandon those which, having the whole country. the difficulties in implemen- exploited to their maximum, in the whole country. ting our programme. are no longer of any interest to them. Basic support * These measures are only Against the crisis to designed see that the measures; not a single redun- But burden of saving the country dancy! that we represent the basic this crisis falis on the For unemployment HOld support of the country and backs of the workers. to hundreds of insurance are the major force in it Pursuing the defence unemployed workers during Guided by these considera our interests against this period

CUIR

tions we must resolutelv con plan, we are opposed both to unemployment. front this position which, closing of factories and of Workers management though today more to the measures taken by all firms in crisis, to avoid all directly affects firms in crisis, factories in a state of econo- types of fraud. something which affects mic crisis which are placing the whole of the working the workers of Viscaya working. ban overtime class-since it is Big Capital particular, in dramatic and its government which 1s situation. A 40 hour week. 35 hours entirely responsible for the tor firms in crisis without los situation. Demands of pay. Coordinate To combat the measures they are trying to impose on Pensions full wage at So as a beginning to the OI building of active us, we demand: the age of 60, 58 for firms in solidarity we call today An emergency economic of all workers, plan Wage increases by at least which quarantees reduction the the cost ot zones of the city, designed rate the increase and includes living index, which should be to co-ordinate workers of the progressive under the control of the trade firms in crisis and alert public creation new Page? Slammed by jobless The Biscay Assembly of Unemployed refused to sign the statement for the Novem ber 5 demonstration which was signed by the Trade Union organisations, • since Wi been ignored by them rave to group all the unemployed workers together, we have boycotted been by the domesticated trade unions Now, when the political uncontrolled parties agree to sacking in the Moncloa, their respective trade union organi.

sations ask them to authorise demonstration against unemployment which will do good at all for employ ment but which will do some good for the interests of some of the candidates in the forth coming municipal elections Assembly of Unemployed unification of all For the unemployed workers. Part of the November 5 demonstration gigantic demonstration on November at 1.30 in the Park of Bilbao, as well as the holding of factory and mass meetings to workshop discuss seriously the possible holding one-day

STRIKE

GENERAL

throughout Viscaya Only the decisive and widespread of the class and working the people can guarantee the defence successful of oul jobs, the re employment of those made redundant as well the purchasing power of our wages. #Against the crisis measures *Against the wage limits.

*Against the high cost of living * Against unemployment *For the defence of jobs.

*For the immediate imple- mentation of labour amnesty. *Long live the unity of the Coordinating Committee of Commission Firms in Crisis. Unemployed and

UGT

LSB-USO, CNT,CCOO. LAB

IN REVIEW

THE HERETIC - CONFUSED

Page 8 of The centre-piece 'Exorcist Il' ('The Here- tic') is a long, screaming ride into a disease ridden city in the African desert, on the back of an enor- mous beast. The scene is repeated, with stimu- lating variations, several times, reaching finally a of pitch terrific excitement. Unlike the toy monsters of old-time horror films, this is wonderfully the real thing, magnified, shot from the and behind, feels itself riding with him. Pretty scary. Heretic is aimed, it The seems safe to say, at a "popu- lar market'; though consider- the ing the rate at which audience deserted during the showing I attended, the term seems a little misplaced.

started Still, the theatre out full; the type of movie even if the attracts audiences, film fails to keep particular them. Horror The type can be generally described as horror/disaster films. Into this category come the earthquake and not only air-crash Ilms. bul

HEROESLVI

films like Jaws and Grizzly, well as the 'nameless- as whether the menace type, menace is spiritual (as in the Exorcist) or physical as in the Rabid. is tempting to relate them to the econo- bourgeoisie the crisis; mic in the throes of under seige, watching terrible chaos of its after image undoing. There is a related interpre- of the demon-child tation motif in films such as Exor- cist and The Omen as a part of the backlash produced by the women's liberation move- (This you'll 15 CIlE get, if you don't stop snivel!- ing about day nurseries!').

Deep crisis while it is certainly But true that these films would not have been produced and could not have been popu- larly received, except in • a of deep society in a state to important criSiS, it stress that works of art-of not simply quality-do any imitate the social situation in which they are produced, or simply resist it. Cinema in particular has a history of its own; as is well known, the rise of television as an advertising and cultural in the fifties and medium carly sixties precipitated in Holly- enormous decline wood revenues. Bankable" The limited recovery of audiences in the late sixties seventies has been and early more general hedged in by economic difficulties. One result of this has been the 'formula' rather than the "star' film. Even those stars remain "bankable' are domin- overwhelmingly ated formulae: how many times Robert Redford and Jave Paul Newman made the same film? The formula is used to conto expenditure: after it Ice tastiatons are simple Biacs I01 LICC Shelley this form. Special effects dominated, the actors blended into the background. The script shunted them along from one tidily vomit to eruption of green raising tire- the next, never some problems like motiva- the relationships tion, between characters. Disaster The slick smart, successful disaster film reduces charac- to a convention- terisation minimum-in the alisca threatened plane, the sinking boat, there is always small child, appealing always an alcoholic, always a plucky invalid or terminal cancer case In The Exorcist and The Omen the 'spiritual dimen- while it relies of course sion, on the marketability which occultism has acquired since the late sixties, IS really simply scooping up the spirit its effects and word and dribbling them over the rest of the confection. Haywire In the successful disaster film the immediate 1S physical world of the charac-

TETS

which goes haywire, which becomes unstable and

ATTEMPT TO VARY A

WELL-TRIED FORMULA

The Heretic despite special effects which are far to any thing in the superiot film and despite a earlier of series glossy, scary, brilliantly designed sets, loses its way just at this point.

Picking the story of The Exorcist at a point four years later in time , it decides to take a stab at becoming a kind of psychological thriller.

And while maybe Hitch- cock could break the rules in this way, John Boorman can't. the Good thrillers have same lack of interest in per- relationships that sonal but disaster films display, they do interest themselves in the origin and nature of the particular violence on which they're centred. Shell-shocked Disaster films can't inves tigate themselves in this way; can only display, and they display. Burton as the Richard priest goes through the film shell shocked, burnt-out, and stumbling along unconvincingly muttering about 'the soul' and'evil.

keeps The film wonderful interrupting the full of locusts and other devilish creatures to SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 16 November 1977

PRESS

GANG

flames of wrath The pay issue has been firmly linked by the Pres to the publication of an opinion poll showing that 88 per cent of the 1,000 asked, people By Elizabeth favoured a tough line being taken against the miners. The Daily Mail November 11 'Let there be light' linked the poll with the collapse of the power workers action, claiming the poll as evidence the that *new public simply will not stand for pay blackmail' This poll conducted by the Centre Opinion Research 'independently" was, , says the Mail," financed by 'about 250 industrialists' The effect was the same as people well chosen asking workers' during the power whether action they were their lights about pleased going out! The opinion poll in this just more one context instrument in the propaganda Firemen have often in the boosted by the past in North- Press, particularly where lace the ern Ireland dangers that they been used as part of the pro- paganda war against the IRA.

The Times sees dangers 'If the firemen's strike were all effective, it seems inevit- able that, whatever makeshift Government measures take with the Services may other resources, there would be major

SOON

tragedy. In such circumstances it is certain how by no means public opinion would react increased There might pressure on the firemen reach a settlement within the guidelines. .:. On the other hand since general firemen in enjoy large degree of public admira.

The greatest disaster movie of them all-King Kong the reaction might be tion. against the Government. (November 12) through psychiatrist (Louise Fletcher) traipsing teenager The Sun, adopting a tone Station her night- of Penn the personification of whimsical appeal towards gown does not evoke notions religion and science. the firemen started its front of the frailty of the spirit in presumably wins Science 'Will you really page story: this weary world out in this debate, since the Iet the children and the old fighting priest goes down folk burn?' Locusts demon while the with the They keep tactfully silent trembling psychiatrist waits, on the fact that the Govern- The Heretic keeps wander- outside the wreckage caused ment and the TUC leadership ing off with Burton and Blair by the struggle for the soul are both clearly prepared to into realms of phoney spiritu- of the exorcised child, now a rather see disasters major ality, there to lose itself bouncing teenager, Regan.

than allow the firemen to win And to lose the audience their demands. Grinning too; which is too bad. in Guardian (November The the final whirl- since headlined its story WaY. 11) In fact the film speaks not wind of locusts "Cabinet relies on public for science but for self help.

destroys a substantial section opinion to get firemen back'.

Regan saves herself, as she the elegant Washington contained following the has brought the possession on Georgetown, was suburb of Westminster herself, by her own spiritual piece of well worth staying for. powers; which are such that cynicism: 'Some MPs think that the she can heal the sick merely might be persauded firemen by grinning at them.

NEXT WEEK

back to work by the force of of course, is the last This will 'Socialist Press public opinion if deaths occu straw: Part I was careful to week contain are blamed on the display no interest at all in which next Regan's review of the pamphlet strike. source 'It's a macabre thought' troubles. But tearing around published today by the 'but if one or as it does in search of a theme MP said, one Hotel and Catering two old people die because The Heretic finally opts for National Workers there is no professional fire the hostility-of-the-modern- fighting in their area it couk Committee, world-to-the-spirit. Action the strike quicker that It goes down heavily with end "The Hotel Strikes- any number of negotiations' it. Unionis- Lessons for This Government through For while Ms Blair (who ation" The pamphlet played Regan I was its public spending cuts has having recounts the struggles left old people without ambu- the only choice presumably. lances or proper medical care for unionisation at the for the role) has a certain it has ensured that thousands Forte charm, ethereal Trust Houses live in poverty without being she isn't. Oxford, hotels in warm themselves of able to Sheffield and Birming- feed themselves Nightgown Why should it care if a fes Linton ham and the

LEST WE FORGET

REFORMISM

SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 16 November 1977

OUR

A new series on the fight for Transitional Demands

POLICIES

FOR A SLIDING

SCALE OF

SPENDING

By John Lister Wage in cuts, cuts "non-urgent" operations. against management moves manning levels through- The defence of jobs and for speed-up or rationalis- conditions in health, in educ- ation involving closures.

out industry and cuts in ation and social But in the public sector it in otner government spending are services is not as straight- is vital that the service itself the three principle prongs defended, and extended lorward as the struggle of the of the cutbacks strategy manufacturing and and that any are Lib-Lab government for industry. fought-whether or not jobs driving the rate of up The manner in which the profit in British capital- cuts are being pressed home Ism. indicates way the fight the By cutting government must be directed. Healey's strategy has been spending, particularly on the social services, Callaghan's impose an overall reduc- tion in budget for the social seek primarily to avoid imposing increasing tax- services, linked to rigid cash limits. private industry and

ALION OH

the middle class for the Magnified finance services largely OI used by workers. In this way the compar- leader Clive Jenkins, of small Waiting Lists atively initial cuts

ASTMS.

He has continually budget totals are magnified In fact the cuts have the sabotaged the fight for the by the working of massivcly added effect of forcing eveni implementation of the sliding inflation, which daily scale of public spending some workers to increases the running costs of the service while only a fixed private medical treatment- In other sectors the where waiting lists offer only drience of every existing job primary requirement sum is available for finance.

• years of agonising delay in Under such a system cuts It's Poppy Day again- or ionese the untries did miet firemens' strike. that season of the most ot these As the ceremonial parades breast-beating cynical the governments' oppose stood 12,000 and biggest crocodile troops will be mobilised criminal conduct, but called tears on behalf of the upon the working cass to one of the biggest ever scab- identify its position with that bing operations organised by British bourgeoisie, and imperialist the govern- social democracy. their errand boys who ments. lead the Labour Party Credentials The leaders of the Inter- national committed an act of and the unions. If the First World War was treachery against socialism by All of them cultivate the first decisive means of for credits, show of concern for the fate exposing reformist leaders as reiterating the chauvinist of the hundreds of thousands recruiting sergeants for the the of British troops who were ¿ patriotic y slogans capitalist war machine, they bourgeoisies of their 'own' among the millions who were have ever since proved thei countries, by justifying and saucatered in the course oI defending the war, by joining credentials as the most dedi- the first imperialist world war of finance cated servants the bourgeois governments of while bankers and industrial- capital. the belligerent countries, and ists totted up the profits and millions of workers so on and so forth. contended against other used as cannon-fodder in bankers and industrialists for The influential most hun- wars, the countless socialist leaders and the most a lion's share of a redivided dreds of thousands who have influential of the world market. organs - suffered internment, • Press O1 preschl-day Europe hold views that are Treacherous leaders fascism, and been dragooned bourgeois and and in into vicious inage cuts by peaceful can- speed liberal, no way The crucial role in socialist'. enabling the "War to End all Bolshevik Resolution "The talist exploitation as a result Wars' take place was War and Russian Social played by the treacherous 'one corner of a foreign field' Democracy. leaders of the reformist social but miles of ground in every democratic parties country of the world. Descendants And while is trendy it betrayal these days liberals lor break from Sooner than social democracy that finds criticise the "incompetence' their position of privilege First World War the striking most based on class collaboration today's situation in Britain- General Staff or the 'sense- capitalist with own

TOPI

lessness' of war, only revo- wnere tneir descendants, tue class these leaders voted Labour leaders, in coalition lutionaries today point the real reasons Prat almost to a man to support with ine bourgeois their employers Party, brought millions brave at present pre- needlessly working men paring to 'As a result of their be bid to smash the shoot down ara!

HOUNSLOW

HOSPITAL

OCCUPATION

are automatically imposed at the full rate of inflation.

Without challenging the of cash limits, and system advocating a policy that will the defend social services the effects of infla- fight tion, against the cuts is possible.

Full access Elected committees of trade unionists-both social service workers and the services-must fight for those obscene mud trenches sixty years ago. And only revolutionary able to bring Marxists are those lessons into today's Now, as then, the working class has no interests in prop- up the bourgeoisie pIng rapitalist state. ». - full the access fiance administrating …of the

DOCKS

authorities, in order to assess the real impact of inflation and the financial needs of the service in each area. fight must be com bined with the struggle for the abolition of cash limits the restoration in ful of all cuts and the implementation scale. of social sliding ot a service spending, rising pace with increased costs in materials and increased wage A Soldiers' Committee. The Bolsheviks fought for the independen: mobilisation of the working class against the war.

Millions of war-time corpses are witness to this Workers have no interest assisting that same bourgeoisie in imposing nationalist import controls, speed-up, or rationalisation.

And they have everything to gain from assisting workers in colonial countries to break free from imperialist Page 9 bills Such a demand flies in the face of the main focus o government policy, and raise the need for break in the reactionary Lib-Lab coalition, which stands as a barrier to socialist policies. Nationalisation The . scale of these throughout ost labuble d increased trade union movement and linked an exposure of Ic the profits made from the social services in the ••V.L• supply and construction wil dustries, illustrate stli more clearly the necessity for nationalisation of these the firms under workers manage.

part of a planned provision for social needs.

Workers The Socialist League has fought for the sliding scale of spending since its formation in 1974. At the 1975 ASTMS Conference in Health the sliding of scale Service spending was adopted as national policy against the opposition of the union's National Executive.

ASTMS

NEC have The since taken no action what- to carry through this policy, and sabotaged repeated' efforts to raise this betrayal at subsequent con- ferences.

CLASH

Meanwhile the Le tetedo bey has been also the Committee of London Area in the Health Ser. Stewards vice

(CLASH),

which has played a key role in support- ing the EGA work-in and the fight to defend the Hounslow Hospital. Coupled to the fight for all out strike action to stop the cuts, the sliding scale spending demand points the way • forward for all workers in the social services, health and education. The real enemy in each country is the capitalist class at home. The fight against That capitalist class demands the reconstruction of the Fourth International. this way can the Only 10 millions slaughtered and the capitalis: avenged system that generates wa: and destruction ba stegt away.

JOURNALISTS REJECT RULE

Page 10

INDUSTRIAL NEWS

InTo: Laureno §perham (IFL,

10 PER CENT LIMIT

In a decisive week for provincial journalists the week increase, week's holiday, National Executive of the week including NUJ is to be reconvened better maternity leave, pater- nity leave, London weighting the Darlington over closed shop dispute and a and treated with contempt by the campaign is to new launched against the 10% Newspaper negotiators. limit. Hypocrisy came from The moves meeting called of first ever government advertising would delegates from every, chapel withdrawn if they in the country in Birmingham the ten per cent limit. at the weekend. Their About 150 chapels respon- revealed at the ded -despite a refusal by NUJ meeting When the meet finance committee for costs-and they called traveling members had received under voted overwhelmingly 10% offer by the reject the forward Newspaper Society.

GORMAN

FACTORY

Women fight for unions Two long running Littlehales struggles for unionisation TGWU-organised taking place are continue supplying Wolverhampton. -without them the dispute was on. workers women darts Some Tunnicliffe's

SOOELLIK

has have been on. strike factory students for six weeks demanding re- instatement. Management sacked them support after they joined the General and fight Gorman products. Municipal Workers and The local been offered They have official reinstatement if they agree to which actions, leave tne umon Pork Gorman's And women to workers are Products, women in the fifth week of a struggle oppression. Finance against the sacking of 10 new recruits to the TGWU.

TGWU,

conducted a Management calling scab 3 Tewkesbury -by "'ballot' Bloxwich. Fistate. Journalists lobby the NEC for added support for the Darlington strike.

delegates rose to queue for The NUJ claim for a $23 the microphone. extra 35-hour cases these pay- In some meal breaks, ments were up to £15 a week paid weeks before the extra, votes at mandatory meetings benefits was on the pay offer. In other words the News- Society prepared paper Society was limit in the 10% to break off buy selected areas national actions on the claim.

They told the NUJ that all broke chairman of Don Sutton, Provincial Newspapers the was hypocrisy weakly Council, Industrial Birmingham told the meeting that he had not known about the deals.

whose delegates Rightly the PNIC took a hammering from the floor for the table payments to come handling the one tenth of the launching cam- Without paign, without explaining to the membership why further meetings with the employers pointless (which they PNIC told chapels

PORK PRODU

were) the all strike on action over the claim. Campaign In confusion many chapels who opposed the voted against strike action.

124 The showed voting strike, 128 chapels for against and a staggering 100 not meet at all did chapels on the question.

SACALA

The meeting has called for a campaign to be followed by a new meeting of delegates to reconsider action.

TAVU

NUJ

General Secretary, Ken came

4HL0L.

from Mike Duggan pressure of Darlington to reveal details of the NGA 'proposals' which have held up spreading strike throughout Westmin- steT TIts Beginning refused He point blank they were port, TGWU District Officer saying matter for the National Exec- allowing firms. utive. "left' up to Gormans was lett talking Denis McShane, Vice notifying President, to declare that he National would see backing that a Executive meeting was recon from come vened immediately saying Wolverhampton don't want to see Darlington Polytechnic who have voted for fort- treading water ine DIcKel night'. black on meeting He finished the the declaring that pay move- "at the beginning ment must demand full scale NUJ StOOd the fight, not the end of these of support for it". indicate Without a sharp, sustained growing resistance of working vacillating fight against the leadership the campaign's end will be inglorious urgently as needed and should be sent to: beginning. *No to wage controls! Mrs. voseity Darlington Road, Mossley *Spread strike!

NUM

LEADERS

PREPARE

TO ACCEPT

12-MONTH

confrontation government pay limit. to decide on its attitude the . 12 month confusion can only of the ence of his supporters-who The decision last week were convinced that National Union of Mine- a strike poll was a formality workers National Exec- last week not to utive Gauntlet push forward in pursuit Len Clarke, of their £135 pay claim right shire complete the down the gauntlet to the left exposes weakness of the union proposing an lefts. strike poll. His stormed Arthur Scargill were horrified. An immediate out of the meeting lashing poll could not fai. but reflect out at the decision to investi- gate local productivity deals the vote on the productivity the overwhelming deal. despite ballot against them. correctly quiet and the motion fell by Playing down default. taunted by But Scargill, hours of bitter argument right wingers in the Executive which Gormley backed who dared him back that strike action, claims ballot for had been paign refused to do so. Goebbels" public utter- Instead, his ances are now concerned only Company talk of Gormley, down with playing

SOLD OUT

next three weeks. The four week strike caretakers was by

GLC

called off on Friday 11 November, not by a vote their of the caretakers but by of the associated services the instruction NUPE Disputes Commit- backs that tee. Many of the were provocation. about this. bitter extremely The were also angry at the They role of Divisional Officer H.

Ranwell their own McCartney and strike leaders who came trom at County Hall to run an negotiations requiring seven men. agreed to a miserable having 27 hours These men £71.67 gIOSS and responsible with four for dealing pay ing this cut weeks backlog of work. This is to be paid over the The @tumach Renor PHOTO: John the Society of London members . of SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 16 November 1977 Scargill dictates on productivity deals _were rejected, is now going ahead with moves to initiate deals productivity in areas which had majorities locally.

It is for this reason that no delay can be allowed. in the miners' fight for the £135 wage. hard Scargill fought against the productivity deal like a behaving but is now win-and surprised man frightened by his responsib- ilities. with the Socialist Press last week warned The NUM Executive is still correctly right wing policy would be to to on the claim delay action • rule. and that. Scargill until the spring •sown by would be unable to Scargill reduce the confid- fight the manoeuvre. It is not a question of his militancy but his subjective lack of a clear programme to counter the right wing. Scargill must demand that the 12-month rule is fought, Nottingham- and a strike ballot called.

winger,

ANTON

Meanwhile miners can afford to put faith neither in immediate director right the company wing nor in the militant lett fellow right wingers of needed If evidence is called lefts can be what so reduced to, Mick McGahey, Party member Communist and once feared by the capit- But Clarke had calculated has now himself alist press, Scargill stayed supported increased produc tivity-with no pay increase!

Vice-President The union The move came after three said after the Executive meet- "It's nonsense to talk his ing: confrontation and about Scargill's Can- the govern- "worse than bringing down That's all pure specu ment. lation when we haven't met director the board yet." furious that his

CARETAKERS SIRIKE

of Public National Union Employees, stated that their were subsequently members locked out.

GLO

Approximately 600

NUPE

all caretakers, the action members, joined and held meetings on many of the estates to explain their Even this amount had to case to the tenants. be squeezed out of the Tories 1970 the GLC employ- In who are pushing ahead with caretakers-which 1390 plans to dismantle the was nowhere near adequate.

public housing sector and all only But there today 1287 GLC caretakers and the council insists that it will not It was to fight these cut- spend the money on employ- caretakers took their action under severe ing more. weekend all Moreover, overtime is to be stopped in a dispute began on the drive to worsen the further East Estate service for tenants. mean™ London when one caretaker This will also and a relief porter were left drastic cut in wages for care- normally are takers who on a Dasic £32 per week and rely on the refused to be extra to get by. implement- for Mass lobby involved, the Living Councillor Ken stone stressed that it was not good enough to blame every.

• Tories who hac thing on the been in since May. He called for a mass lobby of tenants and caretakers a the next GLC on Tuesday to stop the Tories getting into County Hall. The voted meeting the lobby and support action and caretakers' demand a rent rebate for the failure of the GLC to provide their services. bitterness of many has led caretakers some talk of leaving the union. This at all offers Public Civil and The need is to fight for a

SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 16 Notember 1977 Fight

BREAK

Sheffield sackings

FROM

Boilermakers at James Sheffield, Engineering, still picketing the

HOTEL

are factory in a dispute that began on September 20 management when sacked three painters for work in refusing to

WAGES

dangerous fumes. took strike 23 workers defence of the in three, but despite the claim official Boilermakers'

COUNCIL E

strike Nuttall that the official, they are receiving no strike pay. Nuttall claimed that this would mean they would lose Social Security money! Meanwhile his main The GMWU leadership has activity the strike will this week's Ull enter been to rush around Sheffield of the meeting wages for alternative jobs seeking council for the hotel and the strikers-in a move that has cut the numbers still out catering industry hoping to ten. to put the seal on The fight for strike pay in of wretched month this dispute must be taken up confirming betrayal by at once by local trade union- of a £4 rise acceptance ists. Differential negotiated at the last wages council. Since that last meeting, dead-end however, this leadership has been confronted with a move- ment Another attempt to avoid £50 claim which minimum with the pay has challenged the skilled failed when structure of the wages counci 1aWS workers at Vauxhall's Luton and the of

GMWU

Dunstable factories, and the London betrayal whose three-week strike had stopped much of Vauxhall's production, returned to work Focus claim had centred We have reported through- not perspective out the scrike at ine London regaining and defending living Metropole Hotel this how standards cut by wage con- strike, now in its sixth week, trols. but on the narrow con- has acted as a locus lor Ene cept of restoring differentials.

resentment of the low wages Hauc POOl

COGIEOT

gesture in this direction-but have built up in the industry.

only at a price. Management With Metropole The agreed to grant a 3.46% sup- workers showing the way by plement to skilled men, taking strike action, every improved

GMWU

for branch London, Centre, Trust productivity. Forte, Rank and

HONSE

12~month Metropolitan, has Grand taken up the claim over the coupling it rule broken months JaSL lwO with demands that the union full official Should Metropole support the 35 ASTMS foremen workers. who imposed an official This move has forced the work to rule and bureaucracy in the form full time officials Romp and time ban at the Osborn Tilston-to pursue con- Hadfield factory in Shef- policy of sabotaging fiekl, their stepped up any prospect of a common action last Tuesday with generalised strike the first lightning strike.

action. Friday Last management Scabbing hacked First with £6 the vicious attacks offer to foremen on Metropole strikers them- which was accepted-in selves, officially breach of the 12-month rule.

encourag ing scabbing

TASS

members, who have i the line and attempting to organ- similar beer

HII DOSHLE

sanctions in pursuit of their 156 scab leadership within the hotel Romp were locked out and pay Calm. Tilston for refusing to do foremen's have been busy attempting work, and staged a to branch and protest strike. joint

STEVEIL

Their claim remains pay In this policy they have to be settled. Talest

WHY DONT YOU SUK?!

GET BAOX TO

YOUR MAN AT THE TOP

) Minmin an Caterny going Centre far director with Edwards. careful to that any further ensure ing after driven the Metropolitan Romp and since branch called and the the

CISCUSS

taking In they place this tie the Despite these moves in that vulcaulial No Romp and Tilston to finish the hope the wages job by But with negotiations still pending, at the Grand Metro- politan and the Centre group with the Metropole strike still stubornly continuing and with the immediate prospect workers maintenance strike over wages, their position is far from assured.

The task those facing militants who have begun to realise the necessity of fight- ing the GMWU leadership and the wages council structure it a decent living standard is to be won is to continue to press for the £50 minimum wage settlement whatever reached on Wednesday. This that stewards at the Centre Hotels branch must re-affirm their commit- immediate strike ment to action if their claim is not

"MORNING O' FISHALL...

SOME MAL FOR YOU

MERLYN! WHERE THE

HELL ARE THE TROOPS:

OUT SLAVE LABOUR

IN MEHE MATERNA

BALAMeNTS cE GREAT BRiTTAN

LOWER PAIT

HOTEL VON

SHOULD SET

€50

LABOU

met on 22 November. At the Grand Metropolitan stage-managed negotia- no ailowed tions must miserly 10% enforce a increase. An immediate branch meeting must be con- vened where the £50 claim submitted in August backed up with the threat of strike action must be made binding tiations. It will be on the basis of this leadership that weaker like the organised groups

THF

branch or those that have grudgingly accepted the branch ike the kank will mobilised into ae supporting actions. In the meantime support has to be organised through- out the labour movement for

NUPE REJECTS

COUNCILS' 10pc OHER The Executive of the giant public employees union NUPE has rejected a 10% pay offer made to 1 million local authority manual workers, response to NUPE's 30% claim. This decision is now being submitted for endorsement to their members-but they are not seeking any decision Instead they on action. want a mandate for simply further discussions. The

NUPE

leadership is for vainly •pro-

HOOTIOUS

testing about the cuts. It now seems to be adopting the same attitude to wages. Ron Keating, NUPE's national officer heading the negotiations said that as far as "political side' of union LIlE policy was concerned, , it was limited to lobbies like last year's November 27 march NUPE's leaders, other words, are determined not to challenge coalition government, and to hold their members within the bonds of parliamentary protest, instead

WELL HE KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THAT

INDUSTRIAL NEWS-

PRIEST

BACKS

STALINIST

The right wing TGWU BLMC's leadership of Cowley Body Plant con-

LONRON METROPO

fronted problems at last Нет Branch week's meeting

PICKET

for the biennial elections.

'man The leadership had manag ed to regain a certain amount of credibility by campaign. LiNE ing against the company's corporate bargaining propos als.

• PLEASE

This had culminated in a

(TAI)

reluctantly mass meeting, held, but utilised by the right

CROATI

wing in a bid to regain sup.

port. strike at the Under these conditions it those still on Metropole who for six weeks was not surprising that con venor Bill Roche JP was re have borne the brunt of the both elected with about 200 votes attacks of union and management. 45 votes for Tony against T'hese workers must not be

KICONTOSON

be crushed. The Richardson had stood on a allowed to 5/670 1/524 and the position of opposing "partici-

TGWU

of the branches opposing corporate DaLIUiL. showed the way last week bargaining, and opposition to full only the leadership's abandonment piedging financial support and support of the branch's pay claim for for the picket line but also £100 per week and a cost-of- sending a resolution to the living clause. Executive Committee dem. For the other positions received 36 anding that official support Lloyd Howard be given section of to any Williamson ir TGWU in the industry the Keratoe taking action in support of the fight for the chairman's Train and Charlie the f50 claim position, This lead must be followed won 44 votes against 200 for vice- by all TGWU and

GMWU

Alec Morton JP as chairman branches. In the struggle for night shift senior steward a run off election was held between the top contenders-Stalinist Syrett and opposer Hillier. Hillier had refused to fight the policies of the leadership -in number his tact a supporters voted for the right wing for other positions of action along with the fire- Nevertheless Hillier was

TECH

seen as an opposition to the Don't scab existing leadership, seemed to offer an easier than voting for the option principled candidates. - official He won 129 votes against Syrett's 130. the demand for An instruction to was immediately

TACO SE

hospital workers not even opportunist made, between the to attempt to fight fires relationship Stalinists and the right wing during the firemen's was displayed. Worker-priest strike made by was Williamson refused a recount,

COHSE

South West causing a storm of protest.

regional organiser Steve Hillier led many of his out disgust. Grant this weekend. supporters Cashing in on this, the "This is not only a matter felt able right wing of basic , but trade unionism the calling Tow of propose is also for the safety of our special meeting own members who are not stewards in Leyland trained fire-fighters" he said and withdrawal from "partici "They will help patients pation'-knowing that the safety stop there. to and stewards would vote it down They will not risk their own But they opposed lives just to save equipment the Body Plant motion thai Similar instructions should branch itself withdraw from be issued by all

ULOU

participation officials.

SOCIALIST

PRESS

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SOCIALIST

PRESS

MURRAY JOINS

ATTACKS ON

GRUNWICK

PICKETS

Interviewed on tele- last week, vision one member of the picket- Special Patrol busting described Grun- Group "sub- wick pickets as human' This, of course, the SPG's excuse for their brutal assaults carried

TODE

Monday's mass picket. indicates also the But it kind of hand-picked volun- welded to- teer force Delig gether in the SPG. Violence is clearly The

SPGR

intended as a highly mobile trained snatch force, squads and also prepared to use extremes of physical viol- peaceful even ence pickets. Their use last Monday was don't you get back to work".

that those the hopes As injured pickets protested beaten they were told "It's your own would be anvel Grunwick the away from fault for coming". gates for good roCe But such a force of trained the be developed thugs cannot "Aid much more is involved. The without top-level and military-style instruction.

mass pickets are being used to In previous mass pickets develop even while ordinary police strike-busting using violence have attempted force that will be dependable to argue with workers. in coming class battles. In the Anti-communist developments Secretary defends the SPG's actions and The SPG however made a

TUC

General of attacking special

DULEL

who attempted Murray reserves anyone attack for the pickets. reason with them or to argue.

rushed into the They attack screaming anti-com- and "Why Labour Club, slogans

MONTHLY FUND

Fund. To date Monthly Coventry Leeds fiO; Liverpool £12.

Socialist necessary finance. All donations shouki be sent to: SPG squads show danger of third force the pickets savagely beaten the SPG "boot by boys' has lifted Murray nOL 0 finger to assist the Grunwick clearly strikers. But he prepared to be a part of the cover-up of Labour leaders' the SPG and its operations.

WS supports While the complete disbanding of the the police force as an oppres- capitalist sive arm we do not argue that state, should the

SPG

alone

SPG,

for The all its specialised training is simply a part of the forces of state circulars described the capitalist working Grunwick operation ranged against the Grunwick" but Class But we must warn of the level of preparation this spec- a skilled anti-picket 'riot military style French police'-has reached. They must be combatted of these through the organised face Labour Home strength of the working class.

Merlyn Rees The next mass picket must be protected by thousands of organised Secretary Len miners and other verbal And the coalition govern- ment that chose to use these Speaking in the right wing Oxford University the working thugs against class must be brought down he described With half of November now behind us we are on target for the £600 we have received a total of £337.51 including donations from: Oxford car workers £22.40; London £129; NHS workers £50; £6.35; Hull £8.20; Oxford £74.56; Birmingham £16; Aylesbury £9; There is no room for complacency however if we are to raise the full amount by the end of the month. The launching of the weekly 'Socialist Press' has met with a great response among members and supporters of the Workers League and readers of the paper. But 'Socialist Press' can only be maintained and developed if we are propared to fight for the raising of the Socialist Press Monthly Fund 31, Dartmouth Park Hill, London NW5 1HR

NEW HEATHROW

CLAIM

SUBMITTED

British Airways are ex- earlier this would only pected today (16 Novem- ber) to offer their engin- began at eering employees Heathrow a 10% rise and "self-financing" claim unconditionally. productivity deal with effect from January The 1978. confronting This offer will be in les a claim submitted to the British Airways offer.

ponse to by the Joint Shop Stewards Committees of the Overseas this year European Divisions for a and 25% increase in basic pay; an extra five days holiday a year; a reduction of the working 2½ hours; London week by weighting increases and con- solidation of Phase One and Two payments into basic pay.

Shift pay also The engineers 410 insisting that the substantial shift pay award made earlier for pay- year and due ment from January be paid in full without prejudicing this new claim. union officials Moreover, are due to sign an agreement today giving engineering workers incremental increases totalling £210 Over three PHOTO: John Sturroc 70p years as opposed to the This they receive at present increment plan is also due to start in January. If engineering workers are to win even a fraction of this avoid they cannot a confrontation not only with British Airways but with the Lib-Lab coalition government instructed have clearly who the public employers sector to offer no more than yet been paid 10% and, where appropriate include the job-slashing "self-financing productivity deals. increments Rejected The AUEW engineers have under 10% rejected already however inadequate attempts to make pay rises but conditional on a productivity workers would workers deal. Airways insisted British SPG at work on November 7.

than 10%! If the position of some of leaders is anything the union to go by Heathrow engineers confront them have to first in order to get the neces- off the strike sary ground to win this claim.

from the A statement of Chairman and Secretary Joint the Overseas Division Committee Stewards Shop called on workers to accept a and go for fringe 10% offer benefits and a productivity year that ther increase shift pay deal. on the condition that negoti- Delay shift new patterns but were subsequent- An

AUEW

shop steward ly forced to concede the shift told Socialist Press that as fat they concerned as he was wanted their claim in full. If Not paid British Airways then wanted productivity question now to negotiate deal that would be a different engineers matter. Heathrow is how to respond There has been enough payment of over the delay A four week strike earlier The shift claim. substantial pay Heathrow engineers mass meeting last April Joint Shop Stewards Com- increases in shift pay but not mittees in Overseas Division a penny of this increase has Division must and European now meet and draw up plan: British Airways try • to capable of shift and for strike action pay winning the claim in full.

10% within the They should also appeal to offer this will give an actua the other 55,000 workers on increase on basic rates of well to ahead the airport press strike This would be more than with simultaneous in of their support for the of which day claims some for the own are larger even than those of represent the engineers. cut in real incomes of more