cent of the membership was on strike. While Scargill did not deal with them by name these were clear attacks on Neil Kinnock's supporters and on the Communist Party.
While there should be no underestimation of the difficulties facing the NUM in meeting the attacks of the Coal Board and government it is also clear that the Scargill wing of the NUM is determined to rebuild the strength of the union. It continues to base itself on the young militants who came forward in the strike. This is the base that has enabled Scargill to deal not only with the right but with critics on the left -such as South Wales which wishes to move the union to the right.
But one crucial rule change is almost certain to be defeated. That is the one giving associate membership to the Womens Support Groups. While Arthur Scargill has declared himself firmly in favour of this proposal there are many on the left who will not support it.
This attack on the role of women in the strike is being hidden behind a banner of 'unity'. In reality it reflects the backwardness and divisiveness of the right wing and the Communist Party — who are in open alliance on this question. This rejection associate membership is a bitter blow and the entire left must fight against it miners!
and campaign to reverse this decision. It is in clear contradiction to the other decisions of the conference which are victories for those who recognise that the class struggle represents the only way forward for the miners and the working class.
In addition to building the huge amnesty that is now possible the fight must be kept up to win associate membership for Women's Support Groups.
Socialist Action 03 July 1985