labour movement is the most sustained attack on a trade union since the campaign against the ETU from 1956-62. It represents a concerted drive by the new realist right and the bourgeoisie to achieve a major shift in the balance of forces in the labour movement.
The TGWU, with 1.5 million members key role in the TUC and in the Labour it were to fall into the hands of the right wing it would • a nuge boost to the Duffy-Hammond wing of the movement The general secretary of the TGWU holds enor mous power In the hands of Bevin and his successor Deakin, the post was used to maintain a solid right wing bloc which dominated the ment from 1926 to 1956.
The Daily Mail Lord Frank Chapple thaterse TaW is early understand clearly the recomposition that is taking place in the labour movement after the miners' and centre are making a concerted ettort to incor porate the soft left, ivingstone to the euro isolate unise Benn-Scargil isolate the wing of the movement The miners' strike was a major blow to the 'new realist' project which Chapple unvelled al the 1983 TUC. This is why the 'ballot rigging scandal' has surfaced after 11 months.
The right were waiting for the outcome of the Lo pardat their 'concern' for On this point it is worth noting that all the allegations are so far concentrated on areas where Todd won the vote.
Wright's vote, avparently, has been above suspicion. This HUSCISC TGWU elections, particularly for the general occiclaly. have always to some extent been clash 'machines'. There are reports of turnouts of up to 100 per cent in Wales, Wright's stronghold.
The election last year resulted in the narrowest of victories for Todd. In TGWU terms, the margin A' PIECE /Why, l ask myself, should the South African ambassacor co britair want to visit Belfast? of 45,000 was tiny. margin of 425,000; in 1969 1956, JOnC seat 300,000; 1977. Evans had over 230,000 The change is significant.
The rise of Cousins to some extent much more so of Jones and Evans reflected the growth of the shop stewards movement. Their base lay in the trade sections, most particularly in cars.
this base has port etc. has taken swung back the regions, there are many branches.
Scotland.
finely the very great. to both camps.
concern for in the extended taking look the who would decisive paign: is the union's voice'.
DULL.
Could it be that he believes that the regime which he represents could learn something from the British in dealing with an unruly population? executive is out of touch with the rank file. They backed Tony Benn for leader of the Labour Party when the members didn't want him.
Difference Wales regional secretary, and as general secretary the Waler TUC, he has stood conA striking Notts miner presents Ron Todd with a commemorative tea towel during High Court would back Wright. It is far better call the through the channels of the union than have foisted on the TGWU by the courts. In particular, the workplace ballots method of election must be defended against the 'Tories the SDP labour right. This will be a big issue in the event of a inflict a decisive defeat on Wright and his new realist and media allies The pro spects lor lne lelt in a re vote are not unfavourable.
he election this timi would almost certainly be straight fight between Todd Wright. Last time there were three other candidates. Todd 1s ne more likely beneficiary The real challenge for the left, however, would be to run a genuinely mass open • campaign. The em-
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THE CAMPAIGN against the TGWU being waged by the media in alliance with the right wing of the