NOTHING could more clearly show the choices that face the Labour Party than the NGA strike. deadly battle with the government. If the NGA wins every socialist cause in Britain will take a step forward. If the NGA loses every democratic right in this society will Some of the leaders of the Labour Party Dennis Skinner — have come out totally on completely and without equivocation. They have called for mass support.
Roy Hattersley and his ilk have stabbed the NGA in the front - as everyone knew they would in advance. Hattersley has called for the NGA to organiser Eddie Shah to win.
If the labour movement had stuck to obeying the law Britain would still contered age as democratic right 'trom Parliament' through the Tolpuddle martyrs up to votes for women was only won through people being prepared to defy and break the law.
Violation of unjust laws and stuggle against them of virtually democratic right that exists in Britain.
But what about Neil Kinnock and his supposed support for democratic socialism? Do we hear from the leader of the Labour Party clarion calls for the labour movement to rally to the tremendous British tradition of suffragettes themselves to railings and suffered imprisonment and torture to gain votes for the majority of the population? Or the tens of thousands of trade unionists who were imprisoned, victimised and deported to build the modern labour movement?
He can't make up his mind whether it is the NGA — fighting for democracy be supported or the courts which are attacking A trade union is locked in a They have backed the NGA That is to allow the scab concerned. the 'sovereignty of every major mass struggle for who chained - which should wrongful dismissal of six workers.
If that is what the new Tory law means, many of the historic, hard-won and legitimate rights of trade defend their members interests would leaving SWCUL away. employers with Sune unchallenged power to do what they like to their own employees, knowing that any effective trade 81L101 opposition could be banned by the courts and ther overwhelmed by a massive DOLICC Di Colle stop picketing and punish those who attempt it.
The media campaign against trade unionism has been so successful over the years that there are a lot of people who simply do not understalu unions are necessary, what do not have to rely on collective bargaining to maintain their living standards. Many like newspaper proprieters, derive their incomes from a private boardroom vote which directors' fees, or the payment of alvidenas. like senior civil servants, chief constables, can all rely upon an annual award by some commission meeting secret. thus sparing any embarrassment to tie recipients, who can also relax in the knowledge that they have -job security until retirement — sometimes al with an incomelinked inflationproofed pension.
Results None of these privileges are available to factory or office workers, OI most salaried professionals, who still depend upon their collective strength in bargaining with their employer when real pay or jobs destroyed, working conditions are worsened.
For when we are told that it is a denial of human rights for anyone to be required to join a union, it is worth asking for examples of non-union workers who have ever conscientiously refused to accept a wage increase, or other benetit, that has been won them by. of unions that had a conscientious objection to joining. And if we do ask that question we can begin understand unionists from the Tories. sometimes regard RON. unionists as littl more than free-loaders riding on the backs of the very unions they affect despise.
It is also instructive to compare the figures available TONI industrial tribunals for those employees who lose their jobs because they want to join a trade union (which run into hundreds) ana who succeed in their appeals against unfair with the tiny disasses handful who may not find work because they will not accept union membership We can then look through the newspapers ISCO whether cases of victimisamention, let alone headline.
Capital There are, incredibly, many still actually believe that the unions enjoy special privileges under the law, although the truth is the very opposite, as the NGA case demonstrate most forcefully. For under com legislation, which Jaily was tailor made to protect Capital, the directors of a limited liability company which goes bankrupt enThe Grunwick struggle. Picketing is a vital right of the labour movement, under threat happened Capsi of many imPreddie cluding Freddie Laker's tour business, which left a trail of debts, but allowed him to go right back no busiess This immunity will not be accorded any which is bankrupted court orders, that could indeed actually lead to Imprisonment for some of its officials.
NGA General Secretary Joe Wade leaves the TUC 24 hour picker No wonder that the "Law and Order' languag now being used to frighter unionists does impress many of those directly involved who know that it is onl Law' Order' that is being cited that drafted Solely protect Capital against Labour, and has Wilalcve. do with Equity or Fair Play.
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Socialist ACTION Choice
IT IS IMPORTANT to understand why the Na- tional Graphical Association is standing firm. And why we should be supporting them in their efforts to defend their members against an unfair employer, and unjust laws. The punitive fines and sequestra- tion of union funds imposed by the courts, could. obscure the original, and fundamental issue - the
they. do, or why they do it. Scale Top people in Britain