the executive resolutions into action on the ground. And to make sure the GWU stops all movement of coal by road.
Union links and rank and file solidarity have been eroded by the recession and by Thatcher's victories. British Rail is backing the government's policy by victimising and sending home workers who carry out NUR and ASLEF decisions. The threat of the courts is still in the background.
What is vital now is to extend solidarity right down to the grass roots of the move- TICHL In Dundee the Trades Council has called a meeting of all shop stewards in the city to discuss solidarity action with the miners. In Manchester and Stockport support committees based on support from NUR, FAT, UCATT and the Manchester City Labour Party have been set up.
These initiatives need to be followed up in other areas. Local conferences of the labour movement, which can be rapidly convened by Trades Councils other authoritative labour movement bodies, provide a good means of organis branches.
There are many things that need to be done. Miners need to be brought to speak to rail and transport workers involved in stopping the movement of coal. Workplace meetings can be organised. Collections of money, and workplace levies as organised at Scott Lithgow for example — are vital.
Before the NUM executive meeting on 12 April the press is going to be screaming for a ballot and devoting pages of the press and hours of televi sion to every ton of coal that moves in Britain. Thatcher's government is already putting the pressure on Kinnock and the TUC to intervene in favour of the right wing They mustn't get that chance. By the time that vital executive meeting convenes, all movement of coal must be stopped. It must be obvious that the miners have only to hold out and then they are goThe NUM has thrown down the gauntlet to Thatcher. If it gets the solidarity it needs and deserves it is going to win and the BACKDOIC of government will be broken.
Socialist Action 6 April 1984 ACTioN