Socialist Action No. 133, 5 March 1986
The scan: 133-mar-05-1986-SA-UK.pdf (PDF, Marxists Internet Archive)
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Page 1 scan of this page
WOMEN MARCH
PICTURED HERE are women from the Kent mining munities marching on London during the 1984-85 miners strike. The legend on their placard is prophetic. Next in line, it turns out, are the employees of Rupert Murdoch's News International - and the rest of Fleet Street's print workers will be hot on their heels if Murdoch gets his way.
Like MacGregor before him, Murdoch has plans to decimate the jobs of tens of thousands of workers, and to deal a savage blow to the organisation and strength of the print unions in the process. From their own experiences during the last two years, mining community women know only too well what print workers and their families are facing. That is why contingents of Women Against Pit Closures will be travelling across the country next Saturday to join the women's march and rally on Fortress Wapping, to mark the an-
INSIDE
SocAlist
ACTION
BUILDING AN ALLIANCE FOR SOCIALISM
AGAINST
MURDOCH
niversary of com- Women's Day.
This demonstration is sponsored by SOGAT and the NGA, by Women Against Pit Closures, and by the women's committees of the South East Region TUC and the Greater London Labour Party.
They say: 'International Women's Day offers all of us the opportunity to salute our sisters everywhere, whether they are against oppression, fighting for their jobs, for national liberation, for socialism, for democracy or for peace.
By bitter experience the mining communities discovered the alliances, the determination, and the leadership needed to stand up to MacGregor. Printworkers will need the same alliances, the same determination, and qualities of leadership to defeat Murdoch. Who them than the women of the working class?
YOU
International struggling the same
better to teach
• Audrey Wise on the minority report p2 • Peter Heathfield on the miners p12 • Paul Whetton on Notts p11 • International Women's Day p10 • Philippines po • Malcolm X anniversary p7 •
STOP THIS
PURGE!
By Eric Heffer • SEA
COULD
GE NEXT!
quiry
of • See page 10 for details of the women's march and rally, and page 1l for Wapping picket line news.
No. 133 5 March 1986 30p AT THE 1982 Labour Party annual conference Jim Mortimer, the then general secretary, introduced a report which called for disciplinary action against leading supporters of the Militant newspaper. The following year, at 1983 conference, the expulsions of the Militant editorial board were confirmed, and their appeals rejected.
At that time the party leadership promised there would be no witch-hunt. But here we are again. There is no reason to believe them now when they say it will stop with Liverpool.
You don't have to be a Militant supporter to get yourself attacked - just a critic. Up and down the country expulsions and threats of expulsion are being made against all sorts of comrades: Labour Briefing supporters, tivists, black section supporters, and
After last Wednesday's NEC decision on Liverpool, the media were clear about the consequences. Well done, they re saying. 'You've made a good start with Militant. But what about the two MPs, and what about other left groups?' In time they'll end up expelling Eric Heffer and Tony Benn.
The majority of the Labour leadership appear to believe that a purge will clear a path to electoral success. Roy Hattersley claimed that the expulsion of the Militant editorial board would gain Labour a million votes. But the 1983 election was actually the worst result since 1918.
The report of the commission of en-
into the Liverpool District Labour Party brings to light nothing new. But then no one criticised the party until the confrontation between the city council and the Tory government began.
The enquiry purports to consider the practices of the district party, using unproved assertion to imply they are undemocratic. In fact what the NEC wants to impose on Liverpool is a form
centralism without democracy. Disbanding the party and imposing a temporary executive - which is all powerful because delegates to the district party will only vote in a consultative capacity until the party is reconstituted - is the real attack on democracy.
But, in deciding that up to 16 members of the party wil have charges brought against them at the 12 March NEC, the real purpose of the Liverpool enquiry is brought to light. Reading the majority report you will see that the basis of those charges is support for the Militant newspaper. Whilst I am not a supporter of Militant or any other newspaper within the party, I firmly defend their right to be in the Labour Party.
Alongside the witch-hunting attacks being launched within the party, stage by stage, conference policy is pro. gressively being disregarded. On public ownership, for example, and the renationalisation of privatised firms. As if we can tackle unemployment without those policies.
It is the witch-hunt in fact which is the real attack on democracy - aimed at the left of the party as a whole. This would be an electoral disaster. The NEC must be flooded with protests - in sup. port of Liverpool and against the purge.
Page 2 scan of this page
ACTiON A purge plan laid bare
2 Socialist Action 5 March 1986
Trial by ideology
THE TERM inquisition, according to Collins Concise English Dictionary, owes its origins to 'the general tribunal discover and suppress heretics'. Today it has two common usages: 'an inquirying investigation or or arbitrary suppression of dissent or non-
The decision to send an NEC team up to
leadership to be for the purposes of the
In the guise of clearing up breaches of the
has decided to close down the district party and impose arbitrarily-appointed full-timers. two to be installed will preside over the May elections without a by-your-leave to the membershi hatever the malfunctioning of the Liverpool district party may or may not have been, report itself only shows minor irregularities, rule by NEC dictat cannot be claimed to overcome it.
The intention is quite the opposite. Kinnock
arguments on party policies. So they are throwing their weight around instead - and creating an internal war that takes everyone's mind off the fact that they are dropping those policies anyway in their helter-skelter dash to an electoral victory which bases its strategy on appeal-
The starting point for their heresy hunt owes that of confronting the Tory government attacks on the jobs and services of local people. Liverpool Labour councillors, whose stand was backed by the overwhelming majority of the local par
It won't stop at Liverpool. And it won't stop at a few expulsions of Militant supporters. It is an
NoT Ine across the labour movement. Any expulsions on 12 March will signal open season hunters up and down the Constituency Labour
The attack on Liverpool is part of the longterm strategy of the Kinnock-Hattersley leadertheir line from the ranks of the labour move ment. It is aimed at all those movements and their leaderships who offer an alternative to the sterile appeal to 'the middle ground'.
At the Scargill leadership and all those who supported the fight of the NUM; at the Campaign group of Labour MPs who have championed the causes of all those in struggle against the Tories and shown in practice that the Labour Party and its leadership can do things differently; at Bernie Grant who spoke up for the black youth of Britain's inner-cities. at the back section move ment and the constituency parties who
Labour councils had fallen by the wayside. Militant supporters are an easy target, because the politics expounded by that newspaper include the expression of some of the worst features of British imperialism's mark on the working class and on the left.
The battle waged against Liverpool and Militant today is a part of a war with big stakes. The struggle going on is a fight between Kinnock and those seeking to forge a unity of the working class and oppressed which will carry it forward in its long-term goal domination of the few who own the means of production over the many who sell their labour.
That unity demands alliances of a sort which have not been forged in the history of working class struggle in this country - alliances which began to emerge in tiniest part course of the miners strike. That is an alliance between the organised labour movement and all those oppressed sections of material interest in changing this rotten system.
Every blow against the which makes that goal. That is why the black section has been so correct in its out-front opposition to all witch-hunts. Every blow against nail in the conn or Labour s misieacers wro would take the working class away from its historic goal.
established to heresy and
'any harsh
of very precise conference policy: a strategy of exorcising opposition to
that of breaking the
during the
society with a witch-hunt is a blow more possible the realisation of
the witch-hunt is a
report of the commission of enquiry into the Liverpool District Labour Party confirmed what many already knew: a purge of the Liverpool Labour Party is now well underway. And it won't stop on the shores of the Mersey, newspaper offices.
Since the decision to sene cavour s own versIor
the Insight to
made last LIVCI DUUl
November,
repeatedly was
dissenting
Beckett out, that was the brief • or at least
The report
Section
volvement Militant
team DeVONC
power and
by the
'It has be said that
not take
Militant pool. are
large number the broad taken br
and
policies, particularly
Majority
The majority conclude: 'there are serious questions Ene eligibility for party membership of a few individuals in Live reo kit
is therefore suggested that these individuals be presented ormauv ov une NEC with such charges with a view to disciplinary action.'
These quotes, in a nutsnell. lay Dale uc lalsul
Audrey Wise on:
THE NEC resolution of 27 November, which set it
notion the enquiry into Liverpool District Labou Party, makes clear that events in Liverpool must be taken in the context of the 'tremendous government
Aware of the 'terrible dangers' involved in the proposals to bring charges against supporters of the Militant newspaper, of the 'doubts and queries raised about the circumstances' of expulsions being proposed elsewhere, and of the party's past record on this, Margaret Beckett and Audrey their report: 'We must dissociate ourselves from any suggestion that expulsion of members of the Liver-
Labour Party national executive on 26 February SureSSCU the need sense of proportion on the question of Liverpool.
Wednesdav what the NEC completely
The decision made is IUSU deplorable.
Margaret Beckett and I
or at the portals of the Militant
d'etre of the whole fake exercise. I here is no proposal
members because of the practices of one ostrict party. Inc plicit basis on which disciplinary proceedings are advocated is or •СПС grounds of support for the Militant newspaper.
The report makes clear that Militant is considered
threat to the party leadership because, the en quiry team believes, the views of that newspaper are regarded by ordinary Liverpool members as of
La political aller native the Kinnock-Hattersley line. Ergo, Militant supporters must go. District
Supposed malpractices within the district party and "indications of 'shadow organisation' isting are the technicalities on which a purge of those Wire SUDDOIl
Leadership is perepur,
although report throughout is couched in semi-legal language, and as the minority report effectively points out, In e 'evidence' in this trial by ideology is no more than assertions and allegations made by some Militant's opponents.
Kinnock Expelli Militan t up to 16 suspected supporters, nowever. will hardly be enough to ensure that the Liverpool parties fall firmly into the grip of the Labour leadership. And the NEC knows it.
The reason that party members Mersevside as elsewhere, support conference policies and not In Ose leadership when it cremis precisely because, the I01y the jobs and services of working class people, Kinnock and Hattersley ran away while the Liverpool city
The minority report
enquiry exceeded its remit. Although the word evidence is used in the majority report, ESCU loosely. The commission largely relied allegations and assertions.
That is why we produced 1COUL L because we disagreed with
Kinnock with witch hunter general Larry Whitty
councillors stood and fought.
Expelling 16 scapegoats Cannot escart this political reality And that is why the NÉC last weenescav look the OD portunity to shut down the party and install its own Merseyside - a fact which the report on page 3 of this paper makes clear.
Many readers already will have read 'evidence' to the enquiry team submitted by the Liverpool LCC. Such illargued and unproven statements were grist to
NEC mil. To make doubly sure, no right reply procedure was built into me leans liveolizar tion procedure.
The report says (page 43, 15.15): 'When any dividual member of the invesueanon Lean considered it necessary clarify DuIsUC such charges those individuals the emphasis of the majority and with the report's conclusions.
between the two reports.
Margaret and I have pointed out that it our approach had been adopted by the NEC might not have been liked by the Liverpool party, but it could have been accepted and any changes of practice could have been I made with a minimum of disrup
tion and dislocation to the party. The NEC decision
has ensure une maxm
of disruption.
I believe that suporters ot the Mullant newspape. are valid members of our
of those in
Darty. vially
Liverpool facing charges
long-standing al c members of the party.
don't WItn many of the thing the
newspape Says and
lon't like their style. Bu
concerned were invited for
reinterview about these charges.
The conclusion of the phoney engully was lal many practices and procedures of the district par-
contravenca and were undemocratic. Their answer? Is on once
heads OvC.
Liverpool or par nationai pointees leadership Executive
There is no doubt that such individuals will be so appointed on their record
proven sycophancy to the national leadership. In addition, the temporary usuall OVC which they will preside has
party-based delegate structure to which it must make itself accountable.
The main recommendations clearly spell out that until the district party is reconstituted such meetings are 'consultative the way to beat them is by force of argument and bi winning votes not by expelling them The decision
NEC chad there is so Tery lig Ilas
there something sinister about the Labour PartYie commission of enquiry was given no brief to call for disciplinary pro cecomes. valzalcl alu . were not giving our own view vi wally rules fact I'm not sure we share the same views We were sticking to the remit and none out a an ovice tive way where rules have
misinterpreted UCcl We reported that we
found some practices that were peculiar Liverpool exalloic the
hybrid nature and therefore confused status
open meetings with all party members invited are not uncommon.
In Depth
only. They further make specific provision that the local elections are within the complete control this temporary body, thus creating the possibility oi further public conflict if candidates are imposed on
constituency parties against their will.
Although the report indicates early June for reactivating the district party structure, there is already speculation tha
.could delayed much beyond that date. In short, the Liver pool saga could run and run
It is in the interest of every single Labour Party member and affiliated laut branch, section, tuency, and district part in the country, to demand That te na execu of the Labour Party immediately call a halt to a witch-hunt that will spread poison across the whole avour movelicil. district party discussions is And the wide scope something that happens in lots of other big city parLICI We accept that some
people did in enmi ed
unpleasant mosphere in the aggregate meetings. But that s a matter of saying 'don't holo meetings that way not 'out you go from the party'.
Liverpool practices are not dreadful crimes
let alone expulsion is quit
these kinds of breaches to saying that t people should be expelled.
Most of all, any consideration of these
DOLL must be situated within the context of f all hes other problems exis
Liverpool, especially the council's struggle to pro tect jobs and services.
Page 3 scan of this page
STOP THIS PURGE
Liverpool rejects expulsions
News
REACTION TO the NEC decision to shut down the Liverpool district party and move to expel up to 16 alleged supporters of Militant came thick and fast last Thursday. Robin Cook, on the London LBC radio, went straight to the heart of the matter as far as the Labour leadership is concerned. 'Let Militant stand for election on their own policies, he said 'and Labour will be happy to contest seats against them on that basis. In other words: anyone who doesn't agree with the leadership should be out of the party. Derek Hatton was nearer the real mark. 'There is not one ounce of evidence in that report, he said, 'It's page after page of tittle-tattle. They knew what they wanted the verdict to be, they looked for evidence - but they couldn't find it! CAROL TURNER reports.
Majority
report recommendations:
• That general secretary Larry Whitty be 'in-
srucica to corsiuci Enc
possible membership of Militant Tendency against
the persons named below and where applicable to
formulate charges against them to be heard by the
NEC. ' They are: Tony Mulhearn, Terry Harrison,
Paul Astbury*,
raunne Dunlop, Derek Hatron, kicnara snignts.
Ian Lowes, Sylvia Sharpey-Shafer*, Harry Smith*,
varley,
asterisked were agreed by four of the six team
members signing the report; the remainder by all
• That the NEC appoint two full-time officers to
Liverpool for a period of two to three years respon-
sible for: organising and
district and constituency parties; campaigning,
publications and propaganda; 'a major new pro-
political
building relations with the
organisations, erective membersnip arives .
• That the district executive committee and of.
ficers be replaced by a temporary coordinating
committee IWo
CLPs, the labour group and the larger unions, the
coop rarry and socialst socielles,
regional officers and the Liverpool full-timers.
• That this body elect its own officers and be
responsible for the May elections, including the
Manese.
• That the target date for reconstituting the DLP
be earl June.
then, and that DLP delegate and wider meetings
be convened, in a consultative capacity onlv. bi
the temporary executive.
• That this gives time
changes' the constitutional
practices of the DLP, including: clarifying that all
LP items must have a local government context;
'all member'
and no voung takes place: such meetings cannot
take place before the rules are changed; clarifying
the demarcation between the DLP, the Labour
credential
meetings.
• That affiliations be investigated and altered.
• That the Labour group
orders which will be ratified by the NEC.
• That the group rectify any abuses and conduct'
set out in the maioritv report. expeciall nersonnel
recruitment,
minority, and the Static Security Force and the
Campaign Support Unit.
bury Roger Bannister, Carol Dara, Josie Aitman, Aitman,
Haes education and training'; party and affiliated
Are oresentanve
North West
and the local government panel and
to introduce 'major procedures and
meetings must be properly notified
checks
redraft its standing
with Liverpool's ethnic
NO
MATCH-HUNT
Militant supporters lobby the NEC called for
Hamilton.
Aware of national executive attempts to brand
undemocratic or worse, a full attendance record was kept, including wmen party branch each member
from. Councillot Tony Hood, organiser of the fighting fund for surCalcu councis. the chair.
The main item business was consideration of a resolution moved by
Campaign
Group of
MPs:
THE Campaign group of LADOME NAPS MAAMONS condemned the inquisition Ol Labour rart.
Liverpool. What
should be doing is fighting
real ot the working class: the Conservative government, the
and the privileged brusn sociely.
We call on the whole labour and Trade
to respond positively to this call. Let's
with defeating
hatcher and winning the
JUST 24 HOURS after Labour's NEC launched its purge against Liverpool last week, the Labour group of the city council moved into action. A meeting it
Thursday evening saw over 400 party members check in, including council leader John
Jim Parry , Labour council whip and brother of Liver seconded by Frank Mins and seconded by vice chair finance committee. The restin made clear Liverpool Labour rarly compielely rejected Members are determined to fight them all the way.
The resolution was car-
What they had to say
Tony Benn Tony Benn:
WHAT WE are witnessing is an attack upon a wide range of people within the cIl. including leadership during the strike, some of the black some Labour Briefing people, and others. The intention seems to be to have a purge
Students light d. sweet:
expulsions
ried by an overwhelming majority of 400:4, with not more than a dozen abstenTOONS NEC's attempt to imply that the district party practice of aggregate meetings (ie of delegates and nondelegate party members) is
gerrymandering of the vote, it IS WOrth noting That te
crucial to the fate of the city in the last few months have had huge majorities.
It looks just as likely that constituency nor reas
Liverpool expulsions. Over ine nexu few weeks, this may raise
to win electoral support. But the effect has been to create and cause dismay among good hard-working activists up and down the country.
The argument is merely a cover for a political attack. We nave seen il an Delore, and before With the people eff been fended pelled allowed to return to the party. The speed with which
we Call
purested depend be
strength which should not lead us to counterattacks or division but rallying round the prin ciples solidarity and socialism.
Joan
Maynard:
TO PUT it mildly. the
Socialist Action
No
the question of further party disbandments.
ATLe Thursday's meeting , Eric Heffer told Socialist Action: "The nanonar execuuve are • going to have terrible problems carrying out this purge in LIVeT DOOl inal Wa shown Thursday's meeting. The mood of the party members oll Wa totally against expulsions.
'In Sheffield they only Caracu remove the whip from ex pelled councillo Green
а папати. votes. How are they going Joan Maynard decision to ask the Labour
Parminenthe cases or 16
examine the cases
dare overdoo Labour Party and recommend charges is deplorable and a diserace. four million are unemployed, people
our industrial base
S bE ing destroyed, trade
attack — - and the Labour NEC " spent 7 to 7%½ hour last Wednesday ostensibly
5 March 1986 3
expulsions
Photo: JOHN CHAPMAN
to get such a thing through the Labour group in Liverpool?
'The NEC decision raises many questions. instance, how will they
local elections in May? Will there be two candidates in some areas: one put by the partv membership and one by the new rump organisation the NEC is setting up?
'Hundreds good, working class peopie whe believe passionately working Labour are going to be bitterly hit by this witch-hunt.
looking into the operation of the Liverpool District Labour Party
The report from the commission enquiry was outrageous. They had closed minds from the vert beginning. I have never accepted that this was an en-
potenta witch-hunt and that is exactly what it turncu vul
affiliated organisations should flood the national executive with resolutions opposing the decision and
Liverpool's tremendous fight against Tory irst
Westlands and
scandal show how fragile a situation Thatcher
It Is a tragedy that we should br
interna allu ment at a time when we should be concentrating Wur allas ore one
Page 4 scan of this page
Socialist Action 5 March 1986
35,000 students
against Fowler
ON 20 FEBRUARY the National Union of Students organised demonstrations. 35,000 Kennington in Sonth against the cuts in students' benetits proposed in the Fowler review.
These would mean the loss of all housing and supplementary benefits in term-time and holidays, for which students are at present eligible
The demonstration Wedge, NATFHE, NUPE and SOGAT 82.
But there was dissatisfaction with the NUS leadership's response to the proposals and NUS president Phil Woolas was booed throughout his speech. Students stormed the platform olasise luw posals was and to try and encourage students to occupy their colleges in protest.
They also wanted to march on parliament instead of the suburban route adopted by the organisers. this demonstration is nave to araw on ine labour movement lor suppori. At a recent national rally they put hemselves in the ridiculous position of having David Owen on the platform backing 'mergers' between colleges.
NOLS
The Natonal| Organisation Students (NOLS), tional Union of Students, held its annual conference last weekend. It failed to adopt any position on the Labour Party NEC's expulsions 'because of lack of time'.
It was a selective gathering. Missing from the 200 delegates were representatives of Labour Clubs up and aown the vulli y disagree with the similar to the Labour which dominates the NOLS leadership).
wentv-tour delegates WIlOEl alone. Many more had already been disqualified
for unstated reasons.
There was a tiny turn out trom the Militantcontrolled Welsh Organisation OLUCCHES. which had been suspended.
By a strange cincidence the new national committee contains 12 Democratic Left supporters, one Militant and one Socialist porter. The committee includes three known witchhunters including NOLS' new chair Ben Lucas.
This method of dealing with opponents -worse than the worst excesses of Militant -portant to note because NOLS is being developed by Kinnock as the alternative pole for youth to the LPYS and, eventually, an alternative. The posts of youth officer and student officer are to be merged to take away the LPYS's full time post and leave the 'Democratic ett' NOLs full tımer in charge ol youth at Walworth Road.
NOLS' and its backing for troop withdrawal from Ireland, will stay on paper in an organisation where all independent thought is summarily excluded. As Phil Woolas. relationship to the Labour Party will be one of 'subservience'. And that, presumably, is what will matter most for Kinnock's New Model Youth.
Midlands LPYS
The West Midlands LPYS conference on 1-2 March made a step forward when it affiliated to the Anti-Apartheid adopted detailed proposals to build its events - though a majority were Militant supporters, remarks to the ANC, even calling it a 'terorist organisation'•
A resolution from Perry Bar LPYS, which includes the area of the Handsworth uprising, provoked the most neste• devate. *looting distinguishable from the racist remarks passed by Labour MP Geoff Rooker just after the uprising.
The Militant leadership of the region clearly felt under pressure, and passed a resolution supporting black self-organisation in principle, but vehemently opposed supporting black sections.
This contradictory stance was the story of the conference. Despite hostility to the ANC, victimis-
ed black youth, and the Irish independence struggle there were limited openings at the conference,
such as an emergency resolution agreeing to send a coach to join the International picket at Wapping.
Those in the through solidarity with these struggles — one third
of the delegates — now have a big opportunity. At a fringe meeting backed by four LPYS branches
over 30 people black sections and the Asian Youth Movement.
Through such an alliance of forces the LPYS can
draw in black youth and build itself in a mass way.
one of its biggest ever students came to London march
heard greetings from Red
to em-
serious the threat from these pro-
fight for a breakawar
More mass action Ilke neded and the NUS will of Labour which controls the Nawho happened to 'Democratic Left' (a grouping Coordinating Committee,
were disqualified reason on the day before the conference
oI Labour unconstitutionally
Organiser sup-
- ta - is imsupport for the ANC and COSATU,
Democratic Left President, explained, its
Movement and
of conference, who confined their
It condemned and holiganism' in terms virtually in-
Women's Day
LPYS who want to build it
heard speakers from SWAPO,
ABOUR DIANE ABBOTT, prospective parliamentary candidate for Hackney North has backed up Bernie Grant's controversial attack on racism in the right wing of the Labour leadership. Last week his criticism of Roy Hat(elsit earned him public rebuke from Neil Kinnock. entirely support Bernie and if Nei Kinnock wants 10 rebuke me he had better get his letter in the post, said Diane.
She was speaking in the
THE SCOTTISH regional Labour party conference meets next weekend, 8-9 March against a background of
worrying resurgence in support for the scottish Nationalist Party.
The SNP has won five seats from Labour in local ove-e ecton. SulCe December, and parties are castlllg wEiicu glances towards the May regional council elections.
InCIt a10 over resolutions on dereneng local government, fighting the Tories. Ten of
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Diane Abbott: 'Hattersley's remarks were colonialist, patronising and racist' black section debate at the London regional Labour Party conference in Brixton this weekend. But conference rejected composite supporting black sections by 500,000
Nationalist spectre haunts Scottish Labour
them follow the nonEdinbiaece coearued by balnourgı Counc want the NEC to back up councils conflict with ine governmen. Dut tacis widespread peculatiol that these will be watere down to aVOOLC Huc l embarassment to Neil Kinnock, who is coming up to address this ADO LaU conference traditionally dominated by the Labour Co-ordinating Committee. heated is likely over a Scottish Ex ecutive resolution which would end outright opposition to council house sales. resolutions Lilac and black on green.
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Regional Conferences
London swings right; black section fights back
160,000. Two years ago the region backed black sections. Several union delegates followed the line Phey supported black secd NUPE who said tions but could not dorse a motion calling for existing black sections to be recognised.
Conference also narrowly defeated motion deploring expusions anc calling for positive campaigning and an end to the
encersoos alvısıve cal paign against local council which fight Tory cuts. An emersencv monon azalls the result of the NEC enquiry into Liverpool sufKen Livingstone will address the LCC fringe meeting congratulate Kinnock for nis lyo› Labor rarty conference speech and call on the party to unite benind ANOD. dsowever derenanns party unity against expul-
THE YORKSHIRE conference continued an attack on the socialist policies fought for over the last three years. Labour's com-
to Tcld tionalise industries privatised by the Tories was brought into ques tion when NCU resolution, calling for renationalisation without comensation, was defeated.
By Andy Hollis, NCU delegate (personal capacity)
A similar resolution or
British gas suffered the
same tate. he conterence
debate was a warning sign
Kinnock and • the
leadership do not intend to
campaign around nationa conference policy
Militant was witch-
hunted in many speeches
but an attempt by the left
to put this on the agenda
was frustrated
Arast soved inat a
contrast oweu ulal
minority prepared
for socialist
CanliDals!l policies defend
working class struggles. At
a meting called jointly by
the Campaign for Labour
Party Democracy and the
Bob
calsalell attacked
Cryer MP • the
witch-hunt.
warned that this
was part and parcel of
Kinnock's
sul atca
remove socialists and
socialist policies and
accomodate the SOr after the next election.
fered a four to one defeat. However Conference overwhelmingly backed a mo-
defending Lambeth and LIVCI DUUl councils against the Tory attacks
Conference rejected a mouon callne Ior Labou MPs to be allowed to vote 'according their cons cinces' on unspecified questions. This right wing inspired motion was clear-
intended enable T noli nackbenca SUD.
for The Natoina) legislation. National ADOTGOD camDadı
that this may herald a new tactic by anti-abortion campaigners other regional conferences
sions does not tigure: there is no specific resolution on expulsions, emergency resolution al c widely and Michael Hartins, copcunl mr lor springourd llas called for the expulsion of Bob Wylie, Militant's most prominel SDUKCSUCISUL in the West of Scotland The conference in the past
been a field day for witch-hunting speeches, as has been the LCC's fringe meeting, wa nis vcal.
features Ken Livlestull
On policies and on campaigning there are
resolutions.
SOlnIC Dumbarton calls TOI
Yorkshire drops Busby
Labour Party conference, two days before World in
off Busby.
The Justice for
Mineworkers meeting Wal
the best attended with 60
the
deccalc
growing .support for
campaign and
concertec
support the sacked
News
so undermining the decision of last year's Labour Party conference against the free vote on abortion
Two fringe meetings on Saturday 1 March anortunalel) showed that there is sup Casued e. CM
DUL for camyarsilll policies inside the Party
people Diane Kingsley Abrams Abbott, Sharon Atkins and Linda Bellos defend black sections. Over seven
delegates attended meeting Tony Benr
Abbot Lalt speakers from CLPD, the
Irish in Britain Represen-
Group, and Lallul Lambeth council.
clear campaign win voler. the Darl. unilateralist positions. 1 here many resolutions on South Atrica call ing on the party to back the Anti Apartheid Move-
ANC
COSATU. and a request for the party to take the in itiative to secure a Scottish anti-apartheid demonSaLOn
however, the message to the press tron the conference is that Scottish Labour's main „cerr Militant menace, the Nationalist revival can be expected to keep on going.
HANDS OFF
TELEPHONES!
Leave them in the shareholders' hands, says Yorkshire
Action revealed the City robbed us of f3bn when it sold
imprisoned miners.
These fringe meetings
and a third organised by
Labour CND, show how
the left is coming togethel
to campaign regionally
and nationally.
Page 5 scan of this page
JUSTICE
News
Sunday evening.
The date chosen markca ine second anniversary
the strike and the miners' return to work one
a20. were preceded by the introduction in parlia
group of MPs' bill of the same name.
several thousand
and supporters
narched from Jubilee Gardens to Hvde Park. via Coal Board headquarters noval house vany went
on the Heroes conces
Heroes organised by
MORE THAN half a
though the transport
By Carol Turner
Morris argues that he has 'no difficulty in advis-
to oppose black sections'. because they
sterile' and "divisive'. They demand 'organisation on sectarian lines, he says, wIlc would sevardie 'blacks from whites and blacks from blacks.
Morris's conclusion? 'l am convinced that black people will give their active support to Labour wnen they see the party commit ted to policies to deal with their immediate problems
not on the basis of them being their own separate
part of
workers RACISTE Is not an issue for blacks alone. It is
problem tor the entire anour movement.
Remove the attack on black sections anu sull a statement would be fully supported by the Labour
THE Justice for Mineworkers Campaign was launched with a splash last weekend. A march and rally in London were followed by an Albert Hall concert on
Against rii ciosures. Habetied, Yor aid ' said Peter Heathfield, NUM gratitude to all the people who consistently supDORICU years. That struggle goes
anne atter famous music name added their support lo the Justice de mand. They were joined by Dennis Skinner, accompanied on piano by Dave Nellist, who offered his own musical tribute to the struggle mining
Black section replies to Bill Morris
tabloid of last Jane December's Record, the TGWU journal, was devoted to an attack on the Labour Party black section by deputy general secretary designate, Bill Morris. But
workers union is a major backer of the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom, so far it has refused to give the right of reply requested by the black section national committee.
Party black section. The real which eucolius black sections were formed to take up is how will abour there. The black secuon the Record refuses to carry the March issue of black newsientel other points, says: '(The Labour Party)
Black sections take
part in Newham
reselection
NEWHAM North-West constituency LaDour Party added itself to the growing list of parties who have reselected their MPs black section participation, contrary to the NEC's instruction.
Banks, It chose Tony the sitting MP. The NEC
Women Against Pit Closures take the stage communities.
'On the clear understanding that we'll
go, here we go, here we go
The sang. to the tune Will dance! Other olo tavolmtes were alsu ade audience raped ose
audience raised the TOOl
'If this is the morale of the labour movement after
5810 Tony Benn, 'what will it be like when win?' The lessons of the strike, he said, were not just about
but justice justice for all, and that meant building socialism.
'Who will build the Not 11C W SOLICLY:
dors societies inde ace
societies like
op Party, Labour drinking clubs and a Jewish Labour Party callea raole Lion. Io
consistent, Bill would
to call these groups HaVC and trades • WORS "divisive" and "sectarian"
'Black party members has still not endorsed Lewisham East's selection ul Jack UTOSOCCUIVe call
Russell Profitt because the constituency's black section took part.
But as more and more selections 19KP place volving black sections, the NIC will find it increasingly hard victimise Russell.
general council of the
ecutive of the Labour Party, but we ourselves?
collection by Eric Clarke raised almost £10,000. including
LUll ПОН miters support groups WAPC
group: Labour Parties,
sLuucH lavoul clubs, and trade unions. Barnsley Women's Action Group topped followed oll the
:200i
€1000 trom the Campaign group of MPs.
The real tribute for the evening, though, must to sures. Women from the Against mining communities only organised the concert ana contribuica generous
have given their own verdict on black sections 37 formed in CLPs from Birmingham to Manchest-
Nomenan.
Pool In Hare serad
London phenomenon. Objective proof of this is pro-
rided by the geographical range of resolutions
7.30pm
- the real stars of the 'Heroes' concert ly to the fund-raising, they were the stars of the show too.
The finished with Mal Finch, joined by women from across the coallicius LAC women's songs of the 'We are women, dICi strong' Was the bes note on wnich Io Inish such an evening The audience agreed. with a live minute ovation.
• Information about and
applications force a ion
Justice Mineworkers Campaign should be sent to the camDurham Mechanics Office, 27 The Avenue, Durham DHI 4EH.
booklet for party conference. is our experience that when the issue of black self-determination and black self-organisation not the sole one) of defeating : racism is given a full dr tall calls, black sec tions win the argument?
STOP THE
STRIP SEARCHES
PUBLIC MEETING CALLED BY THE LONDON
LABOUR PARTY THURSDAY MARCH 13 CAMDEN TOWN HALL, JUDD ST, NW1
Wheelchair access WITH Jo Richardson, MP Peter Archer, MP Sarah Roelofs (LWI)
Richard Balfe, MEP Also invited Aingéal ní Mhiáchain (IBRG)
Brixton Women Prisoners Support Group
Women in Prison Campaign
Chair: Glenys Thornton,
London Labour Party
IRELAND
UNFREE
Stop the strip
prison
against strip prisoners in Brixton prison.
Since July
each. oo novender me
probed. They have had 115 body
prison officers putting their hands
The
are now getting no exercise.
sleep
monius perore she received mem in Brixton!' and cell-changes
degrading and debilitating treatment.
Women have Armagh
average of 24 pollical prisoners In bruisi jalls
from now on to highlight the practice.
strip-searching.
and vigil.
trade unions
prisoners' support groups
or 609 1743).
Socialist Action 5 March 1986 5
searches in Brixton
THERE IS growing support for the campaign
searching of Irish women
Ist two prisoners on remand In prison. Martina Anderson and Ella O'Dwver, have been strip-searched on average 50 times per month
were morned al from that date the folds of their bodies could be
scarcies call. It with clothes on, per month. This has involved
inside the women's trousers. In the last week of October Martina Anderson was even strip-searched after hav. ing an internal gynaecological examination.
have been given a new anc segregated exercise yard - 36 paces one way and 12 paces the other. Ihree warders with dogs are always present. A roof is now being put over the yard and the women have refused to use it. They
Being category A prisoners, they are checked on every 15 minutes in the night. A flap is lifted outside the cell door, causing the light to come on and wake them up. So they are being denied proper
Martina Anderson has regular migraine attacks which are receiving inadequate medical at-
because or lue several orle • graine tinted glasses were ordered for her. But it was two
Since 1 January 1986, Martina Anderson and Ella O'Dwyer have been locked up most days for 21½ hours, separately in their cells. They try to register complaints with the Governor, but she says she can choose not to record their complaints (and she doesn't!). She has also said they are lucky to be
STOP THE
STRIP-STARCHES
RMA
The strip-searching and constant cell-searches
continue at the same rate as perore. neir uras is set tor may tyoo, so tne two women are facing another several months of this
been systematically strip.
Prison, since November 1982, mainly remand prisoners. In the 44 monins Irom November to october 1964, an
women were strip-searched 1,899 times. The authorities' excuse is that it is a security precaution, but the only things ever to be found in Armagh during a strip-search have been two keys, some money and a phial of perfume. Metal detectors are available both in Armagh and in Brixton. but strip-searches are used in preference to them
Strip-searching is not, as is claimed, a security measure. It is an act of intimidation intended to
amounts to torture. It is sexual harassment. Ella and Maruna are being strip-searcued Decause Wit Government has a policy of harassment of all Irish
Brixton prison is to be picketed every Saturday
The Irish Prisoners' Appeal, which is calling the picket, is asking particular groups to turn up on specific dates, though everyone is welcome any time. Bring banners and placards which protest
All nickets assemble at Jebb Avenue and Brix. ton Hill (Brixton underground), outside the prison entrance at 17.30am. and end at 1.30pm. On 7/8 March there is a 24-hour women-only picket, but the others are mixed. Details are as follows. 7-8 March, starts 8pm Friday: Women-only picket
15 March: Lambeth, Southwark trades councils,
22 March: Labour Party branches, black groups,
• For further information contact the appeal at 245a Coldharbour Lane, SW9 (274 7700 extn 36,
Page 6 scan of this page
BEHIND MARCOS
Socialist Action 5 March 1986
O Miles 200
CHINA
:MINDO role.
Dlaylll, a cultiivulury
sols.
Secuons
Gnuted over Loe astew veds las zulic ulilo
al vullu Tne asCHEDv.
ObDUSiLIUll
Jcuucl alıl
orullic.
Witll Avansang Teoeralon.
level ol ine
the New
Marcos electora evel. agreement: Laurel agreed to give ur
IOI
иске DOurECOIs aoreemen on une breschcc or muntary
Ults
dre me vav rist vovenent dsvl
Musl llave A mone unt
themselves within Corv's campaign:
ols which
That
Page 7 scan of this page
onaries
Committee of the already Communist Party of the Philippines (PKP). At that meeting, the PKP expelled a group of young activists who charged that the PKP leadership had in effect liquidated the organisation a
'The group of young expellees was led by Jose Maria Sison, who had begun criticising the PKP leadership in 1964.
Sison and his supporters responded by setting up their own political bureau. They issued their first public statement on May Day 1967, halling the Chinese Cultural blasting the Soviet Communist Party, and condemning the old PKP leadership as 'the bearers of modern revisionism in the Philippines'.
OVERTHROW
from the old
of US imperialism,
Its method was
strangle
existing
In an interview tinental Sison,
national independence,
the land question.
Ine united Revolution, democracy
We feudalism,
'We have. to break
smaller owied
June stalc
argued
the and
and
ample,
same
puchea
of
Halll.
nauc 'political
Maoists
On 26 December 1968, 11 of the expellees gathered to form a new par-
also called the Communist Party of the Philippines but differentiated
party by use of the initials CPP. The CPP's aim, stated a document ratified at the Congress of Reestablishment, was 'the overthrow
feudalism, and bureaucratic capitalism, the seizure of political power and its consolidation'.
launch "protracted people's war in which the revolutionary forces would gradually
enemy-controled cities us.' from stable bases in the countryside Three months later, on 29 March 1969
. the twentv-seventh anniversary 01 the formation of the World War II
- the CPP set up the New People's Army to wage armed struggle under the party's leadership.
was from with InterconPress (12 November 1984) who has been in prison since stated that the three key tasks in the Philippines today are achieving
eliminating ine ivarcos aictalorsmp, and solving
'By national independence 1 mean the cutting ott oi
the dependence on a superpower like
•tates. have to eliminate to liberate the ocasallt
frum feudal and semi-feudal bondage
up the
feudalism so that the local forces of
палова entrepreneul: businessmen. The property mulitnationals and traitor elements will be taken over by
Our economy would be a combined one — of state and Filipino private ownership'
In order to achieve this goal, Sison
"the solution is a national democratic revolution of a new type That is, with the class leadership of
proletariat.' The liberal bourgeoisie. he stated, cannot the process because they 'do not have the political, ideological, or organisational leadership neccessary to cope with US imperialism'.
Although the CPP was strongly Maoist at the time of its formation
was deeply affected by ultraleftism of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, the CPP broke with the Chinese Communist Party in 1975, when the People' Republic of China
the Marcos dictatorship established diplomatic ties.
The CPP, many of whose positions are in flux, remains deeply influenced by its Stalinist origins. The CPP's newspaper Ang Bayan, for ex-
continues to prominently feature 'Mao Tse-Tung Though' on its masthead.
And even after the break with the Chinese Communist Party, the CPP continued to endorse many of the
Vietnamese troops entered Kam-
nelo overthrow murderous Pol Pot regime in late 1978, Ang Bayan saw in this the hand
'Soviet social imperialism' and chasusea une vielnamese icadersmp for 'allowing itself to be used' by
subsequent Chinese invasion of Viet-
More recently, however, prominent leaders of the CPP have
statements less critical Moscow. However, when Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial law in 1972 the reactions of the PKP and the CPP were fundamentally different.
Two months after martial law was imposed, Jesus Lava of the PKP, at that time still in prison, issued
transmission' indicating that on balance martial law was not so oao becaust main targets
and CIA-linked politicians like Benigno Aquino.
The PKP took a further step toward making peace with Marcos in
1974. when members of its Political Bureau met with him at the presidential palace. Felicisimo Macapagal, the PKP general secretary, told the Philippine tator: 'Your excellency, you have called for national unity and we are here today in response to your call. We do so with an offer of patriotic and socialy conscious participation in nationbuilding which has long been deniea
The РКР Political Bureau members symbolically turned over 19 weavons lo Marcos to mark their commitment not to take up armed struggle. Since that time, PKP leaders have continued to be invited to affairs at the presidential palace
The CPP's reaction to martial law different. CPP activists the Manila student network took lo une moullallis to loin the small group of NA members already
The addition waging armed suruggie of these cadres enabled the CPP and NPA to build bases in a number regions. In fact, as the Far Eastern
Economic Review noted
November 21 1985: "thev have sud
ceeded in forging a nationwide cell
structure, sonnernins
revolt had been able to accomplish.'
Although number of central
leaders of the CPP, including Sison
were captured in 1976 and 1977, this
loss has not stemmed the growth of
the CPP-led insurgency.
lead the When some I, FOR ONE, would like to impress,
especially upon themselves leaders, the importance of realising the between the struggle of the American in this country and the structe world. As long as we think — as one of mv of the side of his mouth here a couple of Sundays ago Mississippi were
we worT never get Mississippi straightened out
struggle has in struggle. Secondly, we need allies. But when we realise how large this earth is and how people there are on it, and how closely they resemble us, then when we turn to them for some sort of help or aid or dic- to form alliances, then we'll make a
little faster progress ..
I think it's important to show the importance of keeping an open mind being dumb eneugh to let someone put something over on us ... But you and I are living in a very deceitful and tricky country deceitful and tricky government .. They make the me up as if all of us are criminals, all of us are racists, all of. us are addicts, or all of us are rioting. how they do it. legitimately against the injustices that have been heaped upon you, they use the press to make it look like you're a vandal. It vou have the right to be a vandal. gres image-making role, criminal look like he's the victim and make the victim look like he's the criminal ... If you aren't careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are loving people who are doing the oppressing ...
Right now, defenceless villages bombed, black women and children and babies are being blown to bits by airplanes. Where do these airplanes
A tribute to Malcolm X
MALCOLM X, the North American black leader was gunned down 21 years ago on 21 February 1965. He stressed many times how important the world struggles of the oppressed and for national liberation were for black people in the USA. In 1964 he toured Africa and the Middle East to win support for the black struggle in the USA and to learn about the battles going on there. In 1964 the US and Belgian governments sent troops and planes to crush a popular uprising in the Congo (Now Zaire). On 13 December of that year Malcolm X delivered a speech against this crime. We reprint an extract of that speech from the book Malcolm X Speaks.
those who call (The
direct connecuon Afro-
Not our people all over thi planes.
Cubans, - Lal we saoula ge Delaust straightened out before aboul le congo, you'l
ability
We have to realise what part our making,
world
many different butchered
not a case going on
We never like to think in terms of realising
which has
take the newspapers and newspapers blow you and other drug This is same • When you explode
results.
were a vandal, you
powerful in its it can make a
being oppressed and
in the Congo, being alt
1986 7 Malcolm X come from? The United States ...
media) won't write that American planes are blowing the flesh from the bodies of black women and black babies and black men. No.
Why? Because they're American
As long as they're American planes, that's humanitarian. As long as they're being piloted by anti-Castro
that makes it all right. villain, and anybody who's against him, whatever tney do, Wal. s nullanlanal . .
They take the press with their
COLErOI YUl with image. land they make mass murder, cold-blooded murder, look like a humanitarian project. All these thousands of black people dying,
and you have no compassion in your hearts whatsoever for them, because the victim has been made to look like he's the criminal...
So I say, brothers and sisters, it's
of worrying about what's in Africa before . we get things straight over here. . It's a case of
that the Afro-American problem is not a Negro problem, or an American problem, but a human problem, a problem for humanity. When you realise that, when you look at your and my problem in the context of the entire world and see that it is a world problem, and that there are
people on this earth who look just like you do — who also have the
problem inen you and become allies and we can put forth our efforts in a way to get the best
Page 8 scan of this page
Europe without NATO
Socialist Action 5 March 1986 Tony Benn
LAST MONTH, on 12 February, TONY BENN spoke at a mass meeting in Madrid, Spain, as part of the campaign for a 'no' vote in the Spanish referendum NATO membership. The referendum takes place on 12 March. Below we reprint Benn's speech.
Importance of the Spanish Referendum
I have come here to express support for your campaign membership of NATO. For if the people of Spain decide to vote against NATO membership, in next month's relerenaum, lt will be welcomea by al those who working peace everywheré in the world. Indeed it could herald the beginning of a really powerful movement against military blocs in Europe, against the ever-escalating nuclear arms race and against the American domination of rurope actor celerte die Tornick-
BITUSI Spanish people, should also demand a
spall thousands of American troops in over a hundred US bases equipped with a
President Reagan whom we did not
Cano canno
use of these bases or these weapons.
Targets States stumbling into war, or actually
same is true in
Europe, who believe that NATO, and
lucical wcapuls
member of the civil wing of NATO, for that organization is committed to
those countries the West against Soviet aggression,
was I casull
many twice this century, after having
million dead defeating the Nazis bet-
on
Spanish demonstrators campaign against NATO
al Ci
around its borders, as it has done in Eastern Europe, but that is not the
USSR covering nuclear and chemical
Responding to these Soviet inworld capitalism — now itself in crisis
When military dictatorships came
and in Latin America the
ANZUS, which have provided a strAs we saw in New Zealand,
NON-nuCical
retal Americans save obstructed too Americans have obstructed the policy of the PASOK government by
Cuba and the much more recent invapeople of Vietnam were made to carry We should not forget
which comes from
the South African government, democracv aLSS
The attack on the Bay of Pigs in
of 'Europeanization' which Europeans provide most of the
audill. and the
that apartheid has to be sustainea in tively, thus also been removed from the control of the electors in these
has grown steadily, with each new inflated defence budget always justified by the stimulation of artificial fears of
also have to pay for, is to deal with
leading up to, or during, a war
when hundreds of British troops were
remember that the US intelligence ser-
walsh dissidents than to catch
socialists and peace activists may be and its allies, to spend thousands of
establisnments the US defence budget and, sisting upon higher defence spending
purchase of US weapons gives them independence should remember that
used without the help
SVSLCIS
arms production, as the
this military hardware is denying us
In Depth
pensions, and is depriving the third world of the essential resources that 1l needs to develop itself and end famine and poverty.
On top of this President Reagan has now come up with his Star War project which is a criminal waste of those scarce resources and is an extre obstacle to any disarmament agree ment. The other motivations for Star Wars seem to be both a crude attempt to bankrupt the USSR, while pumping money into the high technology
in the USA to defeat Japanese competition. Yet it is partly because the japanese spend such a tiny fraction of their huge national in come on defence that they are able t concentrate upon civil production, keep their best brains on the civil sid and make and sell so many of their goods all over the world.
EUROPA SIN MUSILE
A vision of a new Europe
If we hope to win maiority sup port for the building of a new Europe
1. The withdrawal of all foreign
security system that will safeguard the
and the diversion of the money an reduction of troops and arms.
self-governing nations
divisions caused by the cold war.
If the Spanish people vote against
ed Europe and we must resoive to build a new one within the next fifteen
Page 9 scan of this page
Sacked miner reports
International
How we built
the boycott in
Portsmouth WE'VE BEEN in dispute for six weeks over our right to refuse to handle South African goods. We first ap-
Speech by Andy Lavender, Portsmouth steward proached our management last September. We outraged at their instruction to con-
handling these goods. We were told by them they do not discriminate about the country of origin from where they purchase their goods. They also told us any employees who take action would be disciplined.
We said we could not tolerate this and from January have bovcotted South African fruit in the nealn service. Immealale ly we faced discipline, and workers were half a day early and lost bonuses.
We've responded to the call of our South African * brothers and sisters. To stop this, management have brought outside contractors as our drivers and central stores staff are refusing handle the goods. We're asking that Britain's unions respond to the call of the ANC SAC-
and COSATU sanctions. We want financial support, HOIC than that we want you to take action in your workplace. If you can't yet take action, question the morality of your employer. At present we're isolated in Portsmouth and also face the threat laws. We need the support of the trade union movement to force this government take action. NUPE in Portsmouth have taken this action, we hope you'll follow us. • Messages of port/donations to: Portsmouth NUPE Health Workers Branch Secretary, Richard Jewison, 93 Leigh Rd, Eastleigh, Hants, Tel 0703-61151.
British trade unionists participate in a solidarity demonstration in El Salvador
from El Salvador
for Socialist Action. What were your first impressions of El Salvador?
There were soldiers and armed bonce everywaere. patrolling. the streets especially in San Salvador. There WelC even quaras with machine guns outside MacDonalds.
Ine trade unionists met were very concerned about the large numbers of UNIONI leaders who've been jailed, killed or simply gone missing. They wanest send messages of protest L0 Dudile. and solidarity messages to the unions. They stressed that this inLenauoldi orcssure save lives and strengthens their morale.
How can they organise and have disputes LUC government has killed 60,000 people since 1980?
They have very few full time officials. Most union workers. When strip-ances officers shop-floor arise they are on the spot.
The nons de growing rapidly as workers lose their fear of being active Ine government has casca up a little on anti-union répression. The unions can oreanse SuuKes demonstrations without being attacked by the so-called securitv few years back there were almost daily massacres. NOW Lne reDress on much more selective.
This means there are still many jailings and death squad assassinatons. ror example. met the these eral adorary
(Salvadorean Trade Union Unity Federation). He said that
the last 19 years 25
had sculclares been murdered. We asked him if he was worried. He said yes, but someone had to do it, and if something happened him many would be willing to step in. to his shoes.
has the government" Why relaxed repression even to
ALISTAS BRITANICOS PR
'SOF THE WOR
DAVE BOYLE, a sacked miner from Silverwood pit near Rotherham and member of the Labour Party Young Socialists, was one of a four-person trade union delegation which visited the strife-torn Central American nation of Ei Salvador in January 1986. They saw plenty of action. During their stay, FMLN guerillas blacked out power across the country for several days, and a wave of strikes and street protests met the announcement by the dictatorship of austerity measures. JOHN SMITH interviewed him
La small degree it at the same time it is stepping up the war?
International solidarity! when 1 was there i saw literally thousands of let-
Wing the attacks on the unions on specific U110l minister of labour himself showed us a huge pile.
More and more
unions because they see how much international Dacking ley nave. When we marched on the antiausterity demonstration, we carried a banner announcing our presence. helped provide security for the demonstration, making it too politically costly 10] une government to ditack But the actual organisers had to keep their identities completely secret, and many marchers covered their faces.
How old, and what sex, were the union leaders you met?
Most were young men, but women were strongly represented at all levels of union structures.
Women form the leadersaiD or some or lne modi militant unions. For the hospital Workers umon, Walen
The hospialis ho worses,
hospitals HUSCO, COOKS. GOCIOTS last summer staged a sit-in which was attacked by the army and ponce. I would say thạt the average age the union leaders we met was about 30.
What sort of issues are at
the centre of trade union disputes?
First, Many unions are fighting for legal status - without It lucy have no wav or be ing legally represented when members and leaders are arrested and carted on for taking industrial tion. wages and condltions are also at the centre of most disputes. political deboands directly Wha! about
FENASTRAS (National Trade Union Federation
Workers) calls for the government to
La ulalogue win tae guerillas.
Those we met concentrated on union solidarity against torture and killings ої ner memese то basic human and union success
March in London.
tional executives.
Ron Todd, describing COSATU, the new mass union federation formed late last year, as a 'great ad-
By Pete Clifford
vance for working Kampocal echoed Oliver
last CONference for 'people's sanctions. He applauded cent trade union boycott actions by Dunnes store WULACIS. Southampton dockers and Portsmouth health workers and called
La 'dramatic extension of actions into our industries and across our services.'
The growing Portsloulil began only six weeks ago on 13 January, won health steward Andy Lavender a standing ovation and a coi-
5. over €2,50.
NUPE's leadership, which backs the action, has circulated branches appealing. TOT support and solidarity actions against South African goods.
TENS With few exceptions they did not directly address the war.
But I think they have to be very conscious security, and they were concentraling wildl they wanted from us, which was solidarity against repression.
On the demonstration, which protesting austerity measures, all the speakers denounced the war.
• Report back meeting with delegation members Larry assistant general secretary the TGWU Burbidge, TGWU executive member Dave Boyle, sacked miner, Jeremy Corbyn MP and a enresenta PENASTRAS Monday 17 March 7.30. Lambeth Town Hall, (Brixton tube)
London.
Anti Apartheid trade
union conference big
OVER 500 delegates came to the Anti Apartheid Movement's national trade union conference on 1
They came from 36 different unions including official representatives from 26 na-
Though NALGO had most delegates and white collar unions dominated, there were 25 rail workers, 12 miners, and 15 print workers.
The call for government sanctions was hotly disputed by some delegates. But most agreed Nitu delegate, who argued Anne Fiander, Ine wo wert nano in nan!
By fighting for the NCU to disinvest its pension funds, Ine ground was prepare to boycott actions - such as that now being templated by Canadian Telecoms workers, who want a day of action to cu communication links with the racists.
COSATU
Socialist Action Egypt
Tuesday and Wednesday 25-26 February.
£1 a week and iwo meals
prisoners and convicts. nearly 50,000 potential adherents.
of
cent.
through strikes of parliament.
cent and - ominously
general election is due in 1987.
Grenada
were arrested.
notes a mem
Reagan picture on the front of it. US economy devalue the dollar in order to restore US competitivity in export markets.
productivity. Recent statistics show the
leading rivals is still increasing. lobbies in Washington -
through the legislature.
5 March 1986 9
WORLD
THIRTY-SIX died, many more were injured, and over 2,000 people were arrested when Egypt's special security police rioted on
The riot was sparked by rumours that their length of service was to go up from three to four years. The 300,000 security police, a conscript force whose only job is to stand guard on public buildings for up to 12 hours at a stretch, get about
Riot areas included three districts of Cairo, Ismailia on the Suez Canal, and Sohag on the Nile, South of Cairo. Targets were luxury hotels and the rich quarters. The rioters also stormed the Tourah prison in South Cairo, freeing political
Egypt's oil revenues, which last year reached $2bn, have halved in the oil crisis and its debts total $32.5bn with a trade deficit of $7.7bn pe year. Popular discontent amongst the city poor nas taken an increasingly anti-American and anti Zionist turn. Attempts to refound a Nasserite party — illegal at present — are said to count on
Germany: doleful Kohl
Germany's ruling coalition suffered a severe defeat in local elections in Schleswig Hoistein. further intensifving its crisis. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which rules the region lost 12 per cent of its vote. Its partners. the Free Democrats lost 50 per cent of theirs. The Social Democrats' vote went from 34.6 per cent to 40.7 per cent and the Greens' from 3.1 to 7.4 per
Last month over 200,000 workers downed tools for up to five hours against laws restricting social security payments to workers laid off
To make matters worse Chancellor Kohl of the CDU faces renewed scrutiny of his role in a corruption scandal. Mr Otto Schilly, the leading parliamentary Green deputy, has produced evidence that Kohl lied in testimony given to an enquiry established in 1984, when it was found that the huge Flick company had been bribing German politicians to represent its interests in
Though the German economy is doing relatively well in capitalist terms, with a f22bn trade surplus, unemployment has risen to 10.4 per
- production has started to decline, an early sign of approaching slump
Recent opinion polls give the Social Democrats 51 per cent to the CDU's 37. The
President Reagan's recent Grenada visit was not all smiles and welcomes. The week before he came police razed to the ground a Si George's ghetto during a raid in which 25 persons
The raid was conducted by the Special Services Unit (SSU) which is Us-trained. Protestors sa. they beat youths with gun butts and threw broken
The authorities deny the decision to flatten the bulaing nad any connecuon witn tae large anti
The US trade deficit for December reached , a record high level of $17.4bn, an ancrease of nearly 50 per cent over the previous 11 months. And Januarv's deficit was $16.Ibn. This was not supposed to happen. Late last year agreement was reached between Japanese European and American bankers that the time had come to
Prices of US products have fallen in relative terms by 30-40 per cent and still the USA is
Underlying the trend to greater US trade deficits is the steady relative decline in US
productivity differential between the US and its
The latest results will fuel strong protectionist
- by last August no fewer than 300 protectionist bills were making their way
Page 10 scan of this page
In celebration of International Women's Day South African Women's Charter
10 Socialist Action NEXT SATURDAY, 8 March, is International Women's Day. South African women have played, and continue to play, a prominent role in the struggle to overthrow the apartheid regime. be a more fitting tribute to International Women's Day 1986 then, Charter, of FSAW, Federation Women?
WE, the women of South Africa, alla mothers, working women and housewives, African, malan. Coloured, curoDcall hereby declare and removal of striving oats,
laws. regulations, conventions, and customs that oscumulate azalust us women and that deprive us It ally way of our inherent right to the advantages, responsibilities, and portunities that society offers to any one section of the o late.
wullcil do not form a society seperate from men. There is only one society. and it is made up of both women and men. As une Drovicus anu auxicuc of our men and join hands with them to remove social evils ana vostacies to progress.
The level of civilisation which any society reached can be measured bv the degree of freedom that its members enjoy.
Measured by that stanCares South Atrica must be considered low in the
of civilised nations
We women share witt our menfolk the cares and anxieties imposed by poverty and its evils.
Other Books
The Other Book's mail order service offers
a wide selection of socialist, anti-imperialist
and radical literature. The following
selection on and by women is available by
post:
Shifting Horizons: a testament to women in the
miners' strike
Lynn Beaton, Canary Press, 265pp, £5.65 + 40p
p&p
Women Under Apartheid
International Defence and Aid Fund, 120pp
black and white photographs plus text, £3.50 +
46p p&p
For Their Triumphs and For Their Tears:
Women In Apartheid South Africa
Hilda Bernstein, 136pp, IDAF, £3.50 + 34p
p&p
Part of My Soul
Winnie Mandela, Penguin, 164pp, £2.95 + 28p
p&p
South Africa: The Struggle For A Birthright
Marv Benson, IDAF, 314pp, £4 + 59p p&p
Women and the Cuban Revolution
Edited by
156pp, £3.95 + 28p p&p
Women and the Family
Leon Trotsky, Pathfinder Press, 78pp, £2.25 +
18p pop
The Origin of the Family, Private Property and
me one
Frederick Engels, introduction by Evelyn Reed,
Pathfinder Press, 190pp, £2.95 + 34p p&p
Make cheques or postal orders payable to IMRS.
Orders with i payment should be
PO Box 50, London NI
books ordered is over £10. then simply add 15 per cent
for postage and packing.
These and other books, together with a wide selection
of magazines, posters and
from Birmingham's Other Bookshop.
(just off the main shopping centre) (phone 021-643
5904)
5 March 1986 What could
than to reproduce the Women's adopted at the 1954 founding conference
of South African
wives and mothers, it falls
upon make small
wages stretch a long way
It is we who feel the cries
of our children when they
and sIck It 15
our lol to eep ane care
for the homes that are too
small, broken, and dirty to
be kept clean. we know
burden of Janu
when husbands are
the Lne
what it is to
(huts) and
sualitics UVC1-
apartbitakat ways,
daughters becoming un-
whilsi
Hallica
girls up
education callille
Privileges
These are evils that
need not exist. hey exist
because The society
which we live is divided in-
to poor and rich, into non-
buropean and buropean.
They exist because there
are privileges for the few, Elizabeth Stone, Pathfinder Press,
sent to: Other Books, 2XP. If the total value of
postcards are also available
137 Digbeth
1983 meeting to celebrate international women's day
discrimination and harsh treatment Tor Ine many. We women have stood and will shoulder
slaliu shoulder with our menfolk
struggle against poverty, race ane class che evils or mie colour bad. discrimination,
As members of the national liberatory move-
in and through our various ol causallulls. march forward with our men the struggle for liberation anu defence working
to keep high the banner of As women there rests upon
also the burden of removing from our society
the social differences developed basi times between men and women, which have the effect of keeping our sex in a posttion inferiority and subordination.
We resolve to struggle for the removal of laws and CustUllIs that deny African women the to own, inherit, or alienate
We resolve DIODCILY work for a change In luc laws of marriage such as al c found allusi our African, Malay, dian people, which have the effect of placing wives in the position of legal sub. jection to husbands and giving husbands the power to dispose of wives proDCILY and earnings and dictate to them in all matters affecting them and their children.
Laws
We recognise that the women are treated mitors by lnese mamage
on proper and reverse
and revered antical traditions and customs, which had their origin the antiquitv of the people and no doubt served purposes of great value bygone Limes There was a time in the African society when every woman reaching marriageable age was assured of a husband,
land, and security. nome, Then husbands wive. with their children belonged families and clans that supplied most of their own material needs and were largely self-sufficheat. vien and wolves were partners in a compact and closely integrated family unit.
Those conditions have gone. The tribal and kin-
liongeiety to which then
belonged been destroyed as a result of the loss of tribal land. migration of men away from the tribal home, the growth of towns and industries, and ine rise or a greal boay ol wage-earners on the farms and in the urban areas who depend wholly or mainly wages for a livelihood
Thousands of African women, like Indian, Coloured and European women. are emploved today in factories, homes, offices shops, on farms, in protessions as nurses,
INDIANS, AFRICANS.
and COLOUREDS 1952 'Defiance' campaign against apartheid teachers, and the like. As unmarried women, dows, divorcees ther have fend for themselves, often without Apartheid rests on black 2000R the assistance of a male relative. Many of them are responsible not only their UW1 livelihood but
Large numbers of women
breadwinners and heads of their families
Nevertheless, the laws and practices derived from
an earlier and different state of society are still aponea to tem They responsible for their own erson and their children yer Ine law seeks to ei force upon them the status of a minor. Not only are African, Coloured, and Indian women denied political rights, , but they
are a sonin many south
Union (of South denied the ATTICal. Sallie status as men in such matters as the right to enter into contracts, dispose of property, and
exercise guardianship over their children.
Society
The law has laggec behind the development of SOCICLy. il lu responds to the actual social and economic posi-
To i wonen has become an obstacle to DrOPICS. oi the and therefore a brake on the whole of society
his intolerable condition would not be allowed to continue were it not for the retusal of a large tion cur concede to us women the rights and privileges which they demand for themselves. We shall teach the men that they cannot hope to liberate themselves TOTE evil discrimination judice as long as they fail and
to extena to women com plete and unqualified equality in law and in practice.
We also recognise that large numbers OUI womenfolk continue to be bound by traditional prac Lices and conventions allu fail to realise that these have become obsolete and
our duty and privilege to enlist all VUI struggle for emancipation and to bring to them all realisation of the intimate relationship that exists betFeriority as somen and the ween their status inferior status which their people are subjected ov oscanniatury laws all colour prejudices.
It is our intention to Cary OUT nationwide
of educanor that will bring home to the men and women of all national groups the realisation that freedom canno pe wontor amv one sectiul
for the people as whole long we women are kept In DON-
dagle women appeal to
all progressive organisations, to members of the great national liberatory movements une uract unions and working class organisations, to the churches, caucated welfare organisations, to all progressive men and women terests of the at heart, to join with LOTS greal and noble endeavour.
We declare the following aims. This organisation is tormea for tne purpose of uniting women in common action tol the removal o all political, legal, economic, and social dis-
We shali for women to obtain:
1 The right to vote and to be elected to all state bodies, without restriction or auschmomauon.
2 The right to full opporLunges with equal pay and possibilities of promotion l all spieles I WOrk
3 Equal rights with men in relation to property, marriage, and children and for the removal of all laws and customs that deny women such equal rights.
4 For the development of every child through free, compulsory education for all; lor le protection of mother and child through
WORLE
the right to organise.
special day to celebrate everywhere.
jobs.
other women print
tress'
JOIN US For further details contact: 01-582 0996
homes, welfare Malcinil clinics, crèches and nursery schools, in coun tryside and towns, through proper homes for all, and inrougn provision of water light, sanitation other amenities modern civilisallon 5 For the removal of all laws that restrict free
hinder the right of free association and activity in democrac orasadors and the right to participate the work of these organisations.
6 To build and strengthen women's sector. national liberatory move ments, the organisation of women trace ons and through the peoples varica ur salsalvis
7 To cooperate with all other organisations that have similar aims in South Ahroughout the world. Africa well
8 To strive for permanen peace throughout the world.
• The text is taken from an ANC pamphlet issued ires declared year Come in 1984 the Con Women'.
International Women's Day
Solidarity with women in print
Women's March and Rally
Saturday 8 March Assemble 5pm, Lower Thames Street (Tower Hill end)
March to Wapping for a rally starting opn
Speakers include Brenda Dean of SOGAT and Ann
Lilburn of Women Against Pit Closures On 8 March 1908 women garment workers in New York marched for the right to work and
Two years later in recognition of their fight an International Trade Union Congress declared 8 March a
women workers This year tribute is paid to the women in the print industry who have been sacked or whose husbands have lost their
Women sacked by Murdoch and all workers call on their sisters to join the march, and picket 'For-
Wapping on International Women's Day. We are part of a long tradition of strug gle and resistance. We know which side we are on — show your support and solidarity.
Page 11 scan of this page
Dubbins says 'build up the picket'
News
THE BIGGEST Saturday evening demonstration so
marched from Tower weekend. Led by the national council of the NGA, it included printers papers as well as NGA members from as far away as Irent. Among the other union banners were the Inner London leachers Association, themselves in the centre of an ongoing dispute, and Point of Ayr NUM from North Wales.
secretary NGA, spoke at a raliv at the end of the march flanked by banners of the London
Ine London. region oi Press NGA, branch allu of the EETPU. He told the
'We keep getting told the dispute about new
about people. We have to Murdoch, he has to let our clear people work at Wapping hey have the right to a job No government. no cour. no law is going to stop us winning.
believe the faint-hearted who say the A MAJORITY of miners at Bevercotes colliery in North Notts have just completed a week of strike action in protest at the sacking of their NUM branch secretary Paul Whetton. Paul was sacked for posting notice of an NUM branch meeting at the pit. The strike, which involved UDM members as well as the NUM branch, crippled production at the pit.
The new wave of NCB attacks in Notts includes last Wednesday's sacking of Mark Hunter and lony Geddes, Welbeck NUM members, for the unautnonsed distribution' of NUM leaflets.
When this news was passed to a mass meeting at Bevercotes, in the words of NUM HIcd Vice Prestdent, Mick McGinty: lot of lads got up from the floor said lilal ther would have the next two days off as well in protest at the Welbeck situation?
At a number of other Bishore including, Ollerton,
and Gedling, leading NUM members have been given final warnings by management 101 d FOR
TEACHERS
Monday 3 March meant no 'fair pay for teachers
Hill Wapping, last
from most of the Fleet Street
sales doch's papers are taking a dive. He is having to give a By Pete Evans
40 per cent rebate to his davertisers in order to ксер them happy.
'We have tell the truth about the Tory law. No judge has the right to lake away Hom us lne real
tones for picke nor eu
fines picketing. cannot tine ana imprisor principles.
'We are told the EETPU has seen the light. her say they are back in the
old. Whether they are or
Interview with Paul Whetton
NCB offensive in Notts
variety of alleged offences relating to NUM activity.
AI Calverton colliery,
NUM memoer. was suspended last week for allegedly removing a UDM poster. This poster calls on members suffering 'har-
from 'unrecognised organisation called the NUM' to report this to the UDM sc that 'these people can be dismissed by the managemenl .
However, there are also increasing
from within the UDM. The NCB's assault on the NUM is a reflection of the difficulties now facing the breakaway.
Some UDM members voted to continue the ac-
not, will not forget what they did. We do not want any more me words from them,
fold, we want them on this side of the picket line.
'We want the Labour Partv to stoo ducking and weaving on this question. We want them
up tront MPs should be raising the Cuestu of Wapping often possible parliament
'And there another uning tney should sort out. One of those crossing the picket and member or ine sun, is a Labour Party prospective Danuallicllary candidate.
name Malcolm Withers. PPC for Stevenage. They snould sort that out.
'We want you back agaln cacn salurday. i ne picket has to be built up And remember: VGA
TOT Away!' tion at last Wednesday's mass meeting.
These cracks in the
NUM members in Notts a new confidence to rebuild thei UNION. res s NCB's new attacks. As Mick McGinty explains: we _ano watch our members being picked off one by one We've gol lo We can't lie down and let them walk all over us
Pau] Whetton, sacked Nunranen secretar Bevercotes, explained his
of the situation VICW Notts.
was suspended allegedly for putting NUM meeung notice up. In reality, it was in response to a letter from Area mousma readons
elling managers to be ex tra vigilant. They couldn' get me on anything else bad time keeping or any breach of the Mines and
Quarries Act. I believe the
went out to "get
'This highlighted lengths that management are prepared to go ic
too ine Num ano cusho
he UDM. Even hardenec UDM men have seen it and learnt te lesson, as WIll the UDM members who have come out and stayed out inrougn unis dispute They can see it's a blatant victillisallull for carrying out trade union principles and practices.
as we hoped UDM members would attend, which they did.
'We're lacing COn-
certed attack from the
NCB because of the suc ces. recruiting welc back laville into the
At our colliery we finished the strike with 100
When we held the political levy ballot in early December we'd got per cent vote to continue all non-strike action.
The deal, a 6.9 per cent increase for teachers, was due on 1 April 1985. With
running around 5.5 per cent the settlement does nothing win mack or tenther massive 34 per cent decline they have suffered over the
Worse stll the majority group in the negotiations composed of headteacher organisations, professional bodies and the scab
AS0C201 of Teachers (the teachers' UDM), have agreed to
ditions together
The NUT has opposed any trade off on condi-
of service because
moment would be based on writing a tight contract
Safer: THey Us EETPU leader Eric Hammond: was also the subject of print pickets at Congress House
200 members. Now we've 370. 'You've only got to ook al inose neures. and the timescale and it doesn't take an expert to work out thal willll anounci couDic of months we are going to have a majority BeverAnd it's not Coles comici just here. At Ollerton, Linby and other pits they sledully ulawing members across. 'Now, one of the things we were depending on was that the NCB would do its usual and put its foot in it.
They've done exactly that! ry time the NCB or the UDM take action you can that we'll get another 20 or 30 members because they act in such a stupid, ham-handed and irrogant wa The reality is that m job's gone, and I honestly don't believe that I'm going to get it back. But we're hoping by keeping the ac tion on at Bevercotes we'll make the NCB think twice
Teachers: the fight goes on
THE SELL-OUT deai stitched up by the majority of teacher organisations on Monday 3 March will not mean an end to the action in the schools. The largest organisation, the National Union of Teachers has rejected the settlement and has already received an 87
for teachers.
The massive lobby of the Burnham pay By Bernard Regan, NUT Executive (personal capacity) negotiating body on FriHebruart demonstrated the con tinued militancy 'of NUT
speedily begin the action for this year's claim
tlement in April.
Inside the other TUC flie National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women clear evidence of opposition to their call for a return 'normal.
Socialist Action before they contemplate moving anyone else future I've doubt that it hadn't Taker action they'd have already moved at pits like Ollerton
In ols men are beng sacked for pinning up notices and distributing literature. The print unions are under from Murdoch and Max well. The entire trade union movement : is under anack now racier and her cronies. And what the hell's the Labour Party doing about it? It's stabbing good I trades unionists the back and them from the party. That's the last thing they wall to be concentrating on. During ine westlanc affair my old daughter could have atTacked lories better then Kinnock did
'It's time that the rank and file, not just in mining but in all the other basic mausines, stallel
The NAS/UWT ballot seeking approval for deal achieved 70 per cen vote in favour, cent against. But after
spent hours with the employers ACAS discussing what 'normal duties' meant.
Decisive action now by the NUT leadership could ensure that the momentum
NAS/UWT minority position will rapidly develop into a majority
According 10 the agreed draft of the pay set-
accepted by the Council of Local Education Authorities/School Teachers which negotiates on conditions of service. Militants of the socials! Teachers' Alliance are arguing that since CLEA/ST has not rubber stamped the sell-out then
action should continue.
In agreeing the deal the
5 March 1986 11 organise put the backbone, the rank and file organisation, back into lic labour moved cal ma Justiam a ter Mineworkers is important Jusțice as inis work nas to be co ordinated. We've all got to pull in the same direction What happened with the jailings and sackings of
continue in other sections of the trade union movement mude on were co ing to see the same thing
Bevercotes will spread to South Nosts pits like Gedl- other and into the ing and Cotgrave.
If they don't stand up and fight, it's going to be a green light for manage ment to go ahead and
Otherwise the -members W1l say the hell should we join an
that even look after its own?' We can't just let this issue go?
sell-out unions proposed a 6-month cooling-off, no-
the negotiations entirel into the hands of ACAS
WIlU Tense. participate, such as the NUT won't even be told what is going on
While the NUT continues various forms of ac tion the leadership will probabl! aullurist action in mili tant areas in order to try to
members leaving to join the NUT
The settlement is a set back for teachers but the fight is not over. At Hastel both unions will be holding their annual I conpretences putting forward a series of proposals to get the action
ing to link up with teachers in Scotland where action is still going on.
The message from the mass rally held on Friday was clear — the fight goes on.
Page 12 scan of this page
TWO YEARS after the beginning of the miners strike, and just over a year since we returned to work, the morale Mineworkers remains high. But we are facing, still, enormous problems on six fronts.
our strike; the NCB continue to dismantle the conciliation and consultation procedures within the industry; the legal cases against the union are still pursued by the receiver; we are confronted with the employer-sponsored which, unfortunately, diverts some of our energy away from fighting the real enemy, the National Coal Board; the attack on our jobs and our communities continues, regardless of the enormous cost to taxpayers; and, of course, the receiver still controls the financial affairs of the NUM which stops us operating effectively as a trade union.
All these problems make life for the NUM complicated. But they do
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ACTiON
'NUM-one
year on and
still fighting'
National Union of
We have 550 members victimised as a result of
breakaway organisation
not detract from the main principles for which we Contue to suruccc
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of We have in excess
1000 of the 2300 NUM
South Derby miners with
the National Union
Mineworkers. that
coalfields an overall majori-
ty of the workforce is part
the national
through COSA, the power
and the new South
Derby NUM. We are very
encouraged
situation which comes
about as a result of the ac.
tivities of loyalists in these
AI CAS•
I am confident that the
UDM is already in decline.
They just haven't had the
impact they were claiming.
Iney talked
recruiting
by the end of
1985, and they continue to MC UCES
Special free book offer!
Take out a years inland subscription and we will send you free one of these books:
On Afro American History
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Special offer four months issues for
Mineworkers launch concert last claim a membership in the region of 40,000.
indications that -LIC they now to have 25,000 mem- WOUL be fortunate
DeSS
In addition, the receiver has been informed by the Coal Board that they will send to him the union contributions
and South Derby members.
collecion wsch is uses
has meant that NUM dues, COLeCLOn which should have gone to
receiver, nave been sent UDM by the area Coal Board manage ment. In effect the NCH
Sheer Sicalilg the
NUM's money
Now 5800 (OHIOU-
LAST MONDAY saw Loyalism. The strikes, riots,
What are the traditions and 'democracy" -Ene Loyalists claimed to be defending? • democracy to reserve the best jobs in the North of Ireland for protestants. By James Francis The 'tradition' of random sectarian killing of Catholies. A 'democracy' of excluaing the population from even token participation in the ата ne Nort. tradition thất thi ns. demand that entire
OT sectana
judice and discriminatior be paid for by Britain
The North of relanc state cannot rank in the scale of its horrors, or its unal nature, WILE South Africa or Israel. But its supporters have the same mentality. The acUle on Monday were those of a cracy baying for blood CaC Ola aDOUl aI SLU Only the smashing of the North of
trol nd sathe Protestant
tion Protestant
on vleges. will ever Cical
any basis for unity betWoCl catholic the protestant class. and
WOrKIe And the sole means achieve is a united tre and That sectarian North
of Ireland state also showeo tse r ius uue gory ou Monday. Directed against the Loyalist thugs and bigots was none of the
'shoot to kill' policy used
Finale at the Justice for
Sunday
By Peter Heathfield
tions will be redirected to ihe receiver wigwi as be claiming monies outstanding to our union.
During last 12 months, the labour
has given concucerane neo oue National Union of Mineworkers. In the weeks and months we hope that this will continue, and that - ine movenen as
hole will keep up the Union of Mineworkers and SUDDUL the especially our victimised
fighting on MCHUCE. hehalf of the trade union
movement as a whole. whole.
• Justice for Mine. workers Campaign, p5.
the true face of Ulster
and intimidation in Belfast, and the rest of the North of Ireland, had nothing whatever to do with any form of progressive working class action. This was a reactionary mob solely roused in defence of its sectarian privileges. against the Catholic population by Thekl and the : British army. It
was softly-softly all round. Off duty UDR members were reported aiding barricades. The police did nothing aow nose who wanted to go to work, or move on the roads, to do so.
As Republican News warnes Derore LUCSLIIKC
there will now be an in-
crease in sectarian killings
The oasEs
Kie serta roo tate no.
Ireland, already started makig
concessions 'to
Loyalists last week when he
amOUCCU UIC BUSLDULC
ment of the next meeting
of the Anglo-Irish inter-
government COTTeICIC
The aim will be to main-
tain the Southern govern-
partis acceptan e reland,
partition Ireland,
codified in the Anglo-Irish
Accord, while "devolving"
government to the Loyalist
bigots in the North. Unfold
But the British labour
movement MUS aS(
as Monday again
showed. that finally
Loyalism is a paper tige
one that could be easily
smashed. Loyalism exists
and inrives only Decause
of the huge British sub-
sidies to the North of
Ireland the presence of the
British ally Take
those away, above all the subsidies, and the privileg ed position pro-TesTamE would collapse and disappear
From the point of view
•TN fi "IniTiCaOl of Ireland, , from the point of view or une unty ol the Irish working class, there
is only one way forward That is for Britain to get out of Ireland.
That is the only way we will finally see no more of the sectarian bigot outhursts of the tvpe ot las Monday. Labour must de
withdrawal mand British from Ireland now.
← Socialist Action No. 132, 28 February 1986Socialist Action No. 134, 12 March 1986 →