MacGregor's plan to crush the NUM | Socialist Action 1983

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He explained his main proposal: *...while there may be fewer people, those who are in the industry will be substantially better paid if productivity goes up the way I think it may.' In other words, the NCB will dictate the terms. The NCB will divide and rule.

It is a classic sell-out proposal - exchange jobs for the promise of higher wages. And the aim is to sow division in the NUM's ranks.

As a plan for coal MacGregor's plan means 'create one, two, many Nottinghams,' and deepen the divisions within the NUM, putting huge obstacles in the way of the future unity of the union.

There is no doubt that MacGregor's proposal has been worked out with Thatcher and the government. denies any 'political' content: 'I don't vote here - I vote in Florida,' he told The Times.

It is obvious that the ranks of the NUM are determined not to accept any deal that means pit closures. At the miners' gala in Scotland McGahey promised: meetings, but no secret deals. We are accountable.' On the same platform Heathfield insisted: "There is no division in the leadership of the union.' But in reality MacGregor are now working flat out to create divisions in the NUM.

The Tories have so far concentrated on ensuring that every individual confrontation with the pickets - at Orgreave, Ravenscraig or in Notts — has been defeated by a military operation from the police. Meanwhile the NCB continue to use negotiations to attempt to divide and weaken the union.

The real response to MacGregor's plan was seen at Shirebrook on Monday - extending and deepening the boycott of coal. Making the strike more effective and building solidarity action from other sections of the labour movement.

At the miners' gala in Scotland Jimmy Knapp of the NUR said of his union and the miners: 'We are now the provisional wing of the TUC.' The 'provisional wing' should take the initiative and step up the action behind the miners now. So that MacGregor's plan can be consigned to the dustheap where it belongs. But of course MacGregor SCUICE Thatcher up the GOAL NOT DOLE NOT DOLE CLOSURES

COAL

NOT SJOLE AND PIT

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Socialist Action 15 June 1984