THE CAMPAIGN to save the rail engineering workshops at Horwich, Shildon and Swindon took on a néw urgency last week.
by the Horwich Ariion Committee predicts further massive cuts in rail engineering, exploding the myth that once the three works have closed remaining workshops will be safe.
The document forecasts a 14.7 reduction in the work force. The closure countdown proposes: 1983 Temple Mills to close oy year ene 1983 Horwich except foundry 1983 Swindon: major not yet 1cuunlualcic allivuliccu A confidential management document received 1984 com-. plete closure 1984 Derby: major rationalisation involving 'sharing of facilities' closure ot one ot the two factories 1984 Glasgow: major reductions 1986 Swindon: complete closure As Dennis Green, Horwich works convenor •CAplains in their bulletin *unless we all fight together now we'll be pick ed off one by one, until BR have no major engineering facilities and all the work is done privately.' The support is coming in. The major rail unions are backing the campaign and the NUR has put an embargo on any transfer • work noN Ho wICı lo other workshops.
As the Horwich workers bulletin says, the closures can be stopped "by using new imaginative tactics - requiring simple organisation but producing maximum effect.
I nIs •should include guerilla tactics involving "key" workers on the railways signalmen in ' une large boxes, uckel collectors, guards.
'Instead of strikes we need a series of lightning stoppages the unions payıng the wages or tne workers lak• ing action.
'A strike by a handful of power signalmen can cause as much disruption as walk-out by thousands of rail workers, without the financial loss.
'Workers in every industry must realise that 'privateers' of the private sector.
We have seen a run down of BSC assets, plant, stocks, raw materials and equipment to a level which will allow the private sector to nave the majority share in a new company, which they've even got name for the British Engineering Corporation.
So we are fighting the Survival Plan OOt iu because it means a loss of jobs but also because of the impact it-will have on the wages and conditions of the workers who left.
We would lose all our long established conditions OI employment relating to rates of pay shift patterns, index linked pensions, sick vay. guaranteed week at 80 per Coll. lump sum bonu S1 stick my thumb in my mouth-l crouch down on the ground in a foetal position.
our battle today will be theirs tomorrow. We will fail unless a stand is taken now, and given maximum support throughout the miovemert "The attitude of this coverumel demoralise, frighten, and then attack the living standards and jobs of workers every industry. we can stop them.
• Send donations and of fers of help to: Horwich MaCROn Committee, Convenors Office, Horwich Loco Works, Bolton.
Tel Horwich 66801 Ext 7351.
Bernard Connolly scheme - not to mention the redundancy severance schemes present ly governing BSC - it we entered the private sector It is the whole future of the steel industry in this area that's at stake in our fight.
• Messages of support to ISTC, Edgecombe House Doncaster Road, Rotherham subjected to disdain and derision, scotts and jeers. ... but 1 am sure to be highty praised by Mrs
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