Britain's most right wing trade union boss, and given the full backing of Thatcher, has declared war on the entire trade union movement. The actions of Rupert Murdoch and Thatcher are no surprise. But the actions,of Hammond at Wapping have now taken away the breath even of much of the 'middle ground' of the labour movement.
Just how carefully planned was Murdoch's unions, and how totally involved init assault Hammond and the EETPU Seems me ourever moresear ly this week.
On Tuesday the Morning Star, in an excellent scoop, reprinted in full the text of a confidential letter from MurOC soner нагатапа сО was dated 20 December 1985, and it refers to pre-planning 'some months ago'. It stated that the most effective, cheapest, way to dispense with the present workforce' would be *to dismiss the employees while participating in a strike.
Because it's instant. Because they are not entitled to redundancy pay. because mey nave no clalm to unran dismissal. because Murdoch wouldn't have to bother providing a reason for the sackings.
The letter goes on: Given that we are now much nearer the date of a possible explosion... I thought it would be sensible... if I reiterated the advice already given.' It is with this pre-prepared battle strategy, and clear legal advice, that Murdoch prepared the writs which are now flying like confetti and which threaten every union.
But Murdoch can only get away with his action because of one thing: because of the total and complete col laboration given by Hammond and the EETPU. That EETPU leadership is directly linked to the UDM, the SDP and the other union busters. Hammond has gone far too far to back off from anything he has done.
This week the EETPU leadership indicated they must think the trade union movement are idiots. What does Hammond say to the accusation that scab electricians are keeping the Wapping presses rolling? Simply: he didn't know! But in reality it is only because of the help that Murdoch is getting trom Hammond that presses can keep rolling at Wapping. It is because of Hammond that union funds will start to come under attack this week.
This week the TUC is almost certo disciplinary action against the EETPU. That is correct. But Murdoch and Hammond won't be stopped by this. That will take • Total trade union solidarity action against Wapping — a total boycott of News International and solidarity industrial action. • Complete TUC backing for any union under attack by the courts. No leaving unions to fight alone as with • A public campaign by the TUC against Hammond and his supporters the EETPU backing up the militants in that who are JICUaICU EU fight the Hammond machine.
Solidarity with Wapping, the fight against Murdoch and Hammond, is the most urgent task facing the entire abour movement
Socialist Action 7 February 1986 THE WESTLAND crisis has had a huge impact. But it has also produced questions about the adequacy of Labour's response and what type of strategy should be pursued. Socialist Action asked TONY BENN for his views.
Westland crisis has obviously had an mous impact British politics. How do you see its origins and effects?
Westland was really crisis of very deep roots, the nature of which has hardly been reported in the press.
The first part was the rebuonauol anothe part of our manufacturing nuusur y the ment. forces that these people left the cabinet - one having Deed undermuned the prime minister and the other having been thrown to the wolves by the prime minister to protect herself was a very important change. position is deeply damagOne thing which came out . over westlana, and is De ing pushed in the movement very much al lue lo ment, the SO called WESTLAND SHAREHOLDERS