AS UNION AFTER union returns a 'yes' vote in favour of keeping their political fund, it's been one in the eye for the Tories' efforts to break the links between the Labour Party and the trade unions. Even more worrying for Margaret Thatcher is how the campaign to maintain the funds has prompted a number of political fund for the first time.
The voting results have astonished the Tories and leaders date every has Four ballots have been announced print and steel workers, FOR SEVEN years the open right wing has totally new unions to consider setting up a makers postal workers in the Union of Communication Workers. currently being counted, or They all expect a 'yes' vote.
Yet mittees of of the unions fund likelihood of defeat. our affairs with the dictatorial aly is run.
coffers SOever?
This helped the UlUl orchestrated campaign which the ballot.
considered its response to Norman Tebbit's 1984 Trade Union Act, ií decided to implement only the which forces unions themselves every 10 years if their political fund is to be maintained. Opposition was registered against the other two sections of the Duffy, Laird and co.
despite their the that a "no' vote have stance, the national the unions.
result, Walworth would financial is cut.
unions have a lot to lose. part of the general attacks weaken the organisation Since 1913 have been legally special a fresh it they definition funds. this hall be was more 'With thousands of jobs disappearing in industry after industry, what resistance isn't We've got the government In office we're going to save jobs.
With these considerations in mind, executives of of union: launched campaigns to get a 'yes VULC It has clearly paid off, and will have fur dividends in the future. The National of Railwaymen (NUR) with its August ballot is a case in point.
Extensive resources have been poured into the political levy campaign. It is seen by activists as part of a more general attemp re-build the weakened by years of misleadership under the company unionism of past general secretaries.
Over 1000 union activists have attended one-day schools to learn about the issues, and about how to effectively campaign for a 'yes vote. Lost wages have been met by the Activists are even given the green light to establish direct links with the campaign office at NUR headwithout the Catchs backing of the local union branch, if it's dragging its heels. Posters, leatlets and campaign bulletins have been churned out in their thousands. Meetings promote a 'yes' vote have been encouraged at every eve the Weekend schools have been organised.
of course the cam pa wond be encomings would be enormously strengthened if went HANDS OF AND DE severely censuring the executive council resolution instructed the executive 'not participate in the funding of postal ballots from the Tory government.' The national committee voted the critical motion which, in hand in hand with an aggressive recruitment drive Labour Party, would inspire more workers if the promotior material explained why the working class needs unions that are more political today. It would have increasup other industrial unions WIll Labour party activists nationally and locally. And some branches are just too weak to respond to the campaign. But even with its limitations, this effort Staring e has been a big step forward for the NUR If the same determination were applied to the other attacks faced by the thousands of ecially, the job losses suffered - then members would have more confidence to stand up ano fight. With the correct lead, trade unionists insist on their right decide now • union action should be organised without interference Тогу laws or the media.
That 190 Calvite