after the strike, we could probably run such a campaign.
But the role of the present executive in South Wales should be completely changed. We should go over to ine same system iney have ill Yorkshire where each colliery has one delegate at area level. At present each group of South Wales pits has executive member. The middle of this coalfield, which has traditionally produced good, solid leadership, only has two delegates at OSL.
Pit by pit representation would be a more democratic system, and there are already moves to change the rules along these lines. It would mean a fighting, more determined leadership in touch with every pit in the coalfield.
And we've got to build bridges too, links across each coalfield. That includes Notts. They worked through the strike because they didn't have the right preparation, the right education, before the strike began. The national leadership should encourage such links. And, of course, we've got to keep those we built during the strike Tower intends to build those links. We will begin by other colilillg lieries to our May Day gala. Before the surke ine yomt loages plannea lo ivıle other pits down here, three or four each. That fell apart because of the strike. But now we're back we should begin again.
Morale is good in Tower after the The boys are still in a good mood. We had a high vote in favour of the levy. If the lads were called on to vote tomorrow closures, then the vote in favour would still be high. I'd put it around 70 per cent. Truth ower nas a eooe aslory over unt past 10 years. The lodge has tried to make the men aware politically. We've close had education on disarmament, apartheid, on Central America and so on. And we've encouraged discussion on everything. That's what counts.
We were prepared for the miners' because WC political context in which pit closures wele being proposed. dressed our general meeting last year, they knew the case was larger than just Cortonwood. We had already explained the facts about pit closures.
Being a Scargill lodge and a Scargill leadership, the 12 Just Men (the lodge leadership - ed) were always preaching Arthur Scargill's line. We him against the press and explained the Scargill case.
There's no simpie bulding a lodge that's prepared branch by trying to please the membership, giving them what they want. Even if it's unpopular, them what you believe is right. way the lodge leadership wins respect ana you call your point of view.
was proved absolutely right on the hit the need for mass picketing during this much option but mass industrial struggle. They won't get tar by lobbying and trying to change public opinion. I don't much like the Wales Congress for that reason. It's the same old people who let against us down in the past — with a new name.
Fresh ideas
The rank organising with the support groups and Women Against Pit Closures. It's them fress minds and fresh ideas foe fresh minds change things in a few years than we've been able to do so far.
to encourage in the lodge is paying results in many ways. understood the interest in the Labour Party a few years back. But now Tower has filled all five When we ad. OTLS places general management committee. the last few years members here have joined the party. In fact, before the strike started we had plans for a workplace branch.
because a lot of new blood is coming defended in. The effects of this strike will help that along. do the same as we do in the union: it's answer got to get out on the doorstep and fight to for its case.
you've got to tell . That win the membership to The truth always comes out. Arthur list. He'll be proved absolutely right on SUNIKe.
We could have used more in I can't see the working class has file are already fresh ideas. will be able to do more to The political awareness we're trying There was little cune Cynon Valley Over … Io JU NUM The party is starting to change here pickel les . The Labour Party's got to
FOR THOSE who argue that the Enropean working class has been defeated by the austerity paigns of the last period, the recent events in Denmark demonstrate the contrary. They Socialist Action 19 April 1985 cam-