Led inconclusively. MORRIS, were there and gave us this report. 'THE NATIONAL Liaison Committee was born after the strikes December/lanuarv gathers together those who have tron ranks of the movement. It is the meeting place : ot al those who want to defend Never the main gains of our movement unity at the base HeLenuevn subae ie democracy — as a result of which Hulilllle about our despite the results obtained.
read of the resolutions adopted by the comer cac, bie dst or lls kind.
Although all unions representing rail workers w cl c formally invited attend, only the CFDT (the federation asoc aler WItl the Socialist Party) sent officia observers The leadership of the CGT (the federation led by the Communist Party) opposed the The liaison committee made clear that far from wanting to pose as another wanted to encourage maximum unity.
'All the unions were invited the meeting because we want to finish THE FRENCH rail strike at the end of last year endWith four unions involved and half of French rail workers not organised at all, local strike committees played an important role in the strike. Following the strike a national liaison committee emerged out of these strike committees, and it convened à 200 strong conference in Paris on 23 May. NUR members, MIKE COLLEY and CHRIS with sectarianism and the ovsos WnCa have already caused such The morning session discussed the nature of the culiullllc offensive now being prepared by management for the railworkers 1 ne French national railway company. the SNCF wants to breal even in lyou to do so it is planning massive redunof dancies, certain sectors of the industry and productivity increases International greetings were given by railworkers Belgium, Italy and Spain the beginning of the afternoon session, the bulk of which taken up WIL. workshop discussions.
There were workshop on uniting the different unions; on the crisis of the workers movement; an assessment the Conlullces. taluia links; a workers' plan for the industry; and perspectives for struggle and tactics Following reports back the workshops. adopted TeSO uLIOl was eretimg to coSATu in unanimously South Africa expressins solidarity with the strike o! South African rail workers and protesting the murders G une x sunkers The resolution was also adopted. It called for the continued existence of the national liaison committee and local strike committees the producof local papers the establishment of a na tional journal. An amend ment e or sing the existence two national Suke committees during the strike was added.
major problem facing railworkers in Hrance is their civision in to the various unions and the resulting large number of unorganised workers. demonsträted The the desire for unity the continued combativity of the railworkers.
Although the full demands strikers were not won, the morak o lie worklorce euris high and there is a strong with this CONVICUUI greater unity and organisaton. next time round thi railworkers can win.
Socialist Action 5 June 1987