Workers Press no. 1009

workers press

ON THE ROAD TO ANOTHER 1926

THE TUC REJECTS

STRIKE CALL

INCORPORATING THE NEWSLET

DAILY ORGAN OF THE CENTR

By Royston Bull TUC LEADERS are preparing to capitu- late in the face of the Tory onslaught to place all wages under strict state control and to drive down living standards.

The leading union bureaucrats, in- cluding the lefts', have already decided not to take any concerted industrial action against the pay laws. This means individual groups of workers are to be left to fight it out alone.

The scene of this betrayal will be the Special Congress Halls, West- at Central minster, next Monday. The TUC's Finance and General Purposes Committee, which includes transport union chief Jack Jones and engineers leader Hugh Scanlon, has agreed with the line of secretary Victor Feather and the right wing to place nothing before Congress other than the worth- less policy document issued last week.

All resolutions for a General Strike will be ruled out of order. No amendments to will be accepted. Delegates the document vote for or against it. Jones and can only Scanlon have already assured its passage by a big majority. The 'lefts' are asking the trade union Feather movement to rely on the assurances will give on behalf of the General Council when he introduces the document, and in particular paragraph 116. We reproduce this in full: Affiliated unions are and always have been free to seek advice and support from the General Council when faced by a problem whether in negotiations or otherwise If a union makes such an approach to the General Council, in the context of guidelines

TUC

of the relation problems en in ountered as a consequence of the applicatior of the government's pay policy, the General Council will examine its request in the light of the circumstances and merits of the particular case.

The whole trade union will remember how the allowed postmen were to go down to defeat two years ago. Feather's assurances will be as worthless as the policy document. This TUC line is a blatant piece of de- and the Com- and. Jones, Scanlon, ception, munist Party Stalinists are at the heart of it.

If, as they say, the gasmen must not, and will not, be allowed to go down to defeat: if it is the case that it is either victory for the gasmen or victory for the government over Now the union chiefs and the whole trade union movement, Stalinists want to lead the work- then why spell it in not ing-class docilely into the prison

OUL

challeng- unmistakable terms by of a fully-fledged corporate state, ing the government's power?

if they are allowed to get away with it. If they are serious about de- feating the pay laws, they know They have started by deliber- defeating this entails the that ately demoralizing and consciously They have government. no undermining the militancy of tention of embarking on any Ford workers by confusion and such political programme. a refusal to give leadership. The fight against the state Harraway, Stalinist Sid sec- control of wages is going to go of the convenors' retary com- the same way as the fight against mittee where Jones' and Scanlon's the state control of trade unions union colleagues predominate, Industrial Re- by the National said this week: lations Court. *We are laying down a pro- The NIRC still stands, and it gramme of action/ until October has Jones' Scanlon's fined and November. We wouldn't be with unions in a massive way going on all-out strike right from impunity. now to the end of Phase Two. The phoney campaign of 'boy- *The big debate on our side one-day cott' and half-hearted will be about all-out going strikes was a cover for 'a com- strike for a period of weeks that the anti- plete capitulation to could transform the situation, fully operative union laws, or more longer-term action.

and usable at any moment by the Tories. The Stalinists want to under- NEWSLETTER • WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 28, 1973• No 1009 • 4p

CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIALIST LABOUR LEAGUE

mine the fight against the pay to isolate groups of workers and laws because they are now the take them on one by one, the working class could have inflicted most conscious anti-revolutionary political tendency Britain. on it the greatest defeat since They are bitterly hostile to the 1930s. any towards revolutionary turn Such a set-back could have and solution Britain's crisis, the most serious consequences as determined to impose reformist the deeper economic crisis gets road socialism' 'peaceful to and the Tories drive the working- policies the workers' on move. harder class and harder, and the imperialist internationally Gasmen, hospital workers and circles for trade war prepare civil servants will be left to fight world leading to hot nuclear it out alone under the full burden war. of legal repression demanded by Capitalism is careering to- the Phase Two laws. wards crash and fascism. If the appalling suffering Secretary Home Robert Carr, of Nazism and World War Il are the Minister in of the charge not to be repeated, the working repeated days police, two ago: class must step forward and end The government will not shirk this confrontation. the chaos. It can only under the do this One-day General Strikes will banner. The first revolutionary be completely this useless in force the resignation step is political situation. The Tories are of the Tory government by creat- determined to take on the trade necessary industrial the and ing union movement and defeat it.

conditions political through the If the government is General Strike. allowed

10OVEP

A POLICY TO

MEET THE CRISIS

As the Тогу government relentlessly -our sues OTan with the TOr controntation working class, the Socialist Labour League remains the organization only WItn policy to meet the crisis

SEE IT TODAY ON PAGE 4

Where will also find details of our Pageant on Sun- March 11 at the Empire Pool, Wembley. The Road to Workers' Power Women in the 3,500-strong audi- civil servants ence Central Halls, Westminster, terday. The boisterous brolly Out!' Dreaders Chanted and 'General Strike!'-See back page. Brolly brigade strikers claim 98р.c. success

SEE BACK PAGE

workers press

ON THE ROAD TO ANOTHER 1926

THE TUC REJECTS

STRIKE CALL

INCORPORATING THE NEWSLET

DAILY ORGAN OF THE CENTR

By Royston Bull TUC LEADERS are preparing to capitu- late in the face of the Tory onslaught to place all wages under strict state control and to drive down living standards.

The leading union bureaucrats, in- cluding the 'lefts', have already decided not to take any concerted industrial action against the pay laws. This means individual groups of workers are to be left to fight it out alone.

The scene of this betrayal* will be the Special Congress Halls, West- Central minster, next Monday. The TUC's Finance and General Purposes Committee, which includes transport union chief Jack Jones and engineers' leader Hugh Scanlon, has agreed with the line of secretary Victor Feather and the right wing to place nothing before Congress other than the worth- less policy document issued last week.

All resolutions for a General Strike will be ruled out of order. No amendments to the document will be accepted. Delegates vote for or against it. Jones can only and Scanlon have already assured its passage by a big majority. movement to rete askine assurances ather are asking union General Council will give on behalf of the when he introduces the document, and in particular paragraph 116. We reproduce this in full: Affiliated unions are and always have seek advice and been free to support from the General Council when faced by a problem whether in negotiations or otherwise approach the f a union makes such an to General Council, in the context of guidelines of the

TUC

relation in to en- countered as a consequence of the application of the government's pay policy, the General Council will examine its request in the light of the circumstances and merits of the particular case.

The whole trade union will movement remember how the allowed postmen to go down to defeat two years ago. Feather's assurances will be as worthless as the policy document. This TUC line is a blatant piece of de- and the Scanlon, Com- ception, and Jones, munist Party Stalinists are at the heart of it.

If, as they say, the gasmen must not, and will not, be allowed to down to defeat; go if it is the case that it is either a victory for the gasmen or victory for the government over Now the and union chiefs the whole trade union movement, Stalinists want to lead the work- why then in not spell it out ing-class docilely into the prison unmistakable challeng- terms by of a fully-fledged corporate state, ing the government's power?

if they are allowed to get away If they about de- with it. are serious feating the pay laws, they know have started by deliber- They this entails that defeating the ately demoralizing and consciously They have government. no in- undermining the militancy of tention of embarking on any Ford workers by confusion and such political programme. a refusal to give leadership.

The fight against the state Harraway, Sid Stalinist sec- control of wages is going to go of the retary convenors' com- the same way as the fight against mittee where Jones' and Scanlon's the state control of trade unions colleagues predominate, union Industrial Re- the National by said this week: lations Court. 'We are laying down a pro- The NIRC still stands, and it gramme of action until October fined Jones' Scanlon's has and November. We wouldn't be or with unions in a massive way going on all-out strike right from impunity. to the end of Phase now Two. The phoney campaign of 'boy- 'The big debate on our side cott' and half-hearted one-day will about all-out going on strikes was a cover for a com- strike for a period of weeks that to the plete capitulation anti- could the situation, fully union laws, now operative or more longer-term action.'

and usable at any moment by the Tories. The Stalinists want to under- NEWSLETTER • WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 28, 1973 & No 1009 • 4p

CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIALIST LABOUR LEAGUE

155C mine the fight against the to isolate groups of workers and pay the laws because they are now the take them on one by one. working class could have inflicted most conscious anti-revolutionary political tendency Britain. it the defeat since in on greatest Thev are bitterly hostile to any the 1930s. turn towards revolutionary Such a set-back could have Britain's crisis. and solution to the most serious consequences as determined to impose reformist the crisis deeper economic gets 'peaceful road socialism' to and the Tories drive the working- policies the workers' on move harder and class and harder. mont the imperialist internationally Gasmen, hospital workers and circles for trade war prepare civil servants will be left to fight hot nuclear world leading to it out alone under the full burden war. of legal repression demanded by Capitalism is careering to- the Phase Two laws. wards economic crash and fascism. If the appalling suffering Secretary Home Robert Carr. of Nazism and World War II are the Minister charge of the in repeated not to be repeated, the working police, days ago: • WA *The government will class must sten forward and end not shirk this confrontation the chaos. It can do this under the only One-day General Strikes will revolutionary banner. The first be completely this Ica Acc step is force the resignation political situation. The Tories are of the Tory government by creat- on the trade determined to take and ing the industrial

MARACCAU

union movement and defeat it.

political the conditions through If the government is allowed General Strike.

HOOVES

A POLICY TO

MEET THE CRISIS

As the Tory government relentlessly our suds •cin with the (controntation working class, Socialist Labour League remains the only orecnizaron policy to meet the crisis.

SEE IT TODAY ON PAGE 4

Where also find delalls of our Pageant on Sun- March 11 at the Empire day Pool, Wembley. The Road to Workers' Power ispirte In the 3,500-strong audi.

Women ence of civil servants the Central Halls, Westminster, terday. The boisterous brolly. •arnler and 'General Strikel'-See back page. Brolly brigade strikers claim 98p.c. success

SEE BACK PAGE

PAGE 2 Workers Press, Wednesday February 28, 1973 AFL-CIO backing state pay laws US claiming Nixon hogties farm exports union compensation PRESIDENT Nixon's ultra-tough 5†-per-cent ceiling on wage increases is to stay with the THE NIXON administration plans to have tacit backing of the United States' most power.

talks with the British government next month ful labour leaders. on compensation for British entry to the chiefs White The House Common Market, which has affected American level assistant secretary claimed it had unanimous the Departments of Detence farm exports. backing of an advisory Urban Development. Conne co committee of management Urban White House adviser Flanigan Peter said and union representatives This is in addition to the Washington that the talks would be held well ir the continued appointment, Wart Con advance trade talks under AT The • International controls which have been firmed, of building union the auspices of the General Agreement on Tarifis Brennan leader Peter in operation in one form and lrade in the autumn. since the sum- of Labour. and it or another decretary tore Nixi is only the start of the pro- opposition to the govern- chiefs' grovelling American officials insistently demanding 1971. the abolition of the EECs high tarits on agricul.

mer ol drawing the trade before reached ment's stringent wage con- Loos With food AFL-CIO's 2.5 per sent at the tural produce from abroad- -tariffs which are 1AL0

LIC

LIUS

DCaN operations of the imperialist crudely protectorist designed European a race cent inese laws are even now protect against ers month, the continuation state being used for the brutal latest competition from their more elicient Us counter.

controls is direct US the President's own smashing strikes. lames the trade deficit parts. the US working request, where Philadelphia. Meany •an• Tor The oss or some l mi. class. AFL-CIO hierarchy are send- 12,000 members of the Lis workers over the last six opportunities is a prime target of US demands for teachers' compensation because having only just joined President have been But Nixon has already ing name. Common Market, it has worse sed the position benevolent neu- weeks, years. ensured the tor sun-cabineti posts in strike lor other departments. Nixon's close associate the Meany the Presi- exporters wao previously renca on of the or by i law-and-order Bill the British market. Nixon has made a similar Frank dent's Trade attractive bureaucracy for his scheme.

1,000 invitation to Frank D. Fitz- Rizzo, has had and says: ove This is clear from the two Balance of payment de could no ba verone congressional committee Bill that the US simmons, the corrupt right- strikers arrested and jailed 'If any nation closes the standing wing boss of the 2 million- the strike leaders for up validis Was door on us-on our pro- given Our Years we Florida, when spoke restricting imports. need policies which drivers') Union. Rizzo ordered the judge around and close the door will increase exports, the executive council of the The •New York them: just as Times' impose sentences which on simple as would break the back of the as Flanigan well knows, US exports

CURRENES

However, There supposedly might like to nominate union'. Meany's policy involves raised were can forcing other countries only be 'frosty' Secretary When Philadelphia work- complete subordination relations year assistant Agri- back man lace more General when the now that the team- threatened the goods by contracting domestic industry.

Icaucis cult are co-operating opened to thel fiend against ments imperialism By the ray boara. Nixon himself told the tively with the California attacks,

AFL-CIO

accepting In retaliation against the mounting protection- posts in gov- ism in the US, the Common Market chiefs are executive counci that tood ernment the

ICLIUCC

complaint about US companies special rise sharply in the White House to medi- converting into a formal brices Cesar chaveze intant United tnemselves this fore neat foreseeable future. But Farm Workers- course Mr ate in the strike. the policemen of the Hune

SONGSET

Meany himself describes Nixon national Sales Corporation scheme sponsored by shake the bur- has already indi-

WULKCIS

Luvelicit the government. eaucrats term •soracerul and manus secono Junett

SUIST

'We had a tantamount to strike break- will be dominated by what by the building of a very met •icasaill of GATT. However, complain that this violates the terms the he terms the Labour the United meeting with President 'work ethic' Party US indicated it doe. of the United States. The ties between Nixon that will fight Sale

DISC

not accept that the scheme any Secretary George Meany and the top union chiefs are wholesale cuts in social ser.

finish against class-collabora- trade agreement has consistently made and when the meeting so close that at Bal Harbour welfare, medicare and and the was over. vices, tion sever reaction- and

GATT

outmoded US bind the none execurve educalon scuennes. Les impotent body in the present situation.

Meany nominate union members and other union Such schemes were heavily unions politically to big representatives to leaders raised the business. slightest trimmed in the latest budget.

serve al Hanoi demanding assurances Smith's jets in Vietnam peace on rocket attack on verge of breakdown guerrilla bases RHODESIAN Air Force jets launched a rocket attack on NORTH VIETNAM is 'nibbling attacks' ter-

BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT

alleged guerrilla bases in the northern Centenary area, which ritory treaty seriously concerned Cultials according to tears. release aler borders Portuguese Mozambique, sources in about the tained Vietnamese civilians and 'extremely Colonel Tin indicated that he Nore Vietnamese and Net delet Salisbury. grave situation' in the would senes fundamental questions to US and The said south and gates to the commissions.

attacks, to have have returned its home wants assur- South Vietnamese delegations to been made at the weekend by the Gaeresi Ranch from which Big difficulties also ances from South Viet- the the Culliosull the tribesmen appeared at the 12-power Paris Vampire jets, were thought to were evicted last ceaselre nam and the US before it conference Indo-China which year. on have been the first in dis- He the said the situation the The trict which has been the focal detachment de. will release had

SUPPOSCU

guarantce police any more Conso ol

OCCONC

VELY

ceasefire deal. North Vietnam and tailed to keep them out of the point increased guerrilla serious and dee. the NLF are prisoners. resisting imperialist ranch was withdrawn when the gates had been instructed to take activity since a white farm attempts impose a permanent guerrilla that Hanoi's sternest warning to positive the there raided before activity Derall crease. of date the operation of the Christmas. on screamed release over Vietnam to police treaty viola- The situation clearly has the American prisoners of war still month-old ceasefire deal in- The tions. admitted that go locate to Smith has Vietnam go Ian regime wor- dicates the whole that North Vietnam and the NLF ried. Two leaders of the Afri- ahead. shackle peace' arrangement in have rejected Canadian pro- tion has supported the guerrillas North Council, general Vietnamese ave val. Indo-China is on the verge of posal that UN general and to secretary powers gates to the joint military com- secretary canton Neceversa de called collective breakdown. attacks Kurt Waldheim organizing secretary Arthur were injured sullal y take charge of such a body.

Chadzingwa, detained There has been no cessation of bums oments neavy on their compounds at Hue. lam fines communities suspected The two Vietnamese delegations under regulations and nostilities …The han Me Citical. of harbouring resistance fighters.

have made effort attacks, by mobs inspired by the are insisting that the main aim to provoke the North Vietnamese of the conference is to organize The Peter Niesewant, his free- South government, defiant Tangwena tribe Vietnamese disengagement from the has lance journalist who also Centenary LIberton were « cruce denot to savolare alca representatives atider the treaty. joint com- the ceasefire deal. Vietnam, not impose a new repeatedly off now an seen eriven delines. missions North Vietnam has also imperialist authority over the lands to make way for appeal against his arbitrary broadcast Saigon of continued white farming, reported imprisonment. Hanoi warned accuscu on Monday night 'peace cannot be maintained with dur- ability in South Vietnam' if these Dangers in Italian one-day 'General Strike' ment continued. On question of prisoner the release, Colonel But lin. a mem- OVER 14 million Italian work- those working in bars and res- newal of labour contracts for bilities of the Italian working delegation Der oI the took 2.5 workers, es- class. ers one-day taurants. four-power joint military part Strike' Electricity and waterworks pecially the But the Communist Party- 'We are all prepared 1.5 million metal mission said: Genera vesterday support of pay claims and de- and engineering which controls key sections of aco waer our ano thi workers wil une next reease. we are mands for social reforms.

warned that have been negotiating for over the trade movement- -is waiting for a response from the would be cut off four months. other giving assurances that Industry and many sectors of

DUDDIICS

COnSCIOUSL ment on matern: away strength with one- consumption nela steady. wn the eve oilie sike lit This they will seriously respect all the commerce were

TORIN

para- While hospital workers confederations- -the biggest is day stoppages with some work- lysed the stoppage, the clauses or the agreement.

hour, the Stalinist-led CGIL- struck for -sent a only 'We must await the r is not fol

OUL

second in six weeks. other sid us It not gency from the services were ultiltres Workers staged tained. Print unions called demanding Pose replies on hold this Stalinists way the the

OCCA

ranging from one to four their for reforms, members out two questions social back the implementation working class only hours, while railway workers articles which are of advantage openito the doors wider every Salli US. There be struck for 15 minutes. One of the main demands The overwhelming support day extreme the must the three trade union for yesterday's proved the shape of the fascist MS Agricultural labourers came federations con- of all out for the whole day as did Party. úrticles by all sides.' OICe MOrE caval

Everyone must come out and carry on until we get rid of the Tories When there's a Ford and hospital worker in the same family MRS MISTREL Campbell thinks hospital workers the lowest paid workers of all. 'I have to work Saturdays and Sundays to earn any.

thing,' she says. In fact for 45 hours' work she gets just over f21-and that is working evenings supervising domestics at Bolingbroke General Vincent and Hospital. Embittered by the conditions, Mistrel recently joined the bell Toe! Confederation of Health Service Employees.

London "They want to offer us £1.80. But we asked tor £4 and I think we should nave askea for more than that. I find it very diffi- with four cult to mallage kids to look after. 'Every day and highere Sur ing higher higher. Ical rust went up wer Things are going from bad she said bitterly. to worse,' On a Thursday, when she corner wace backer mistrer said she used to out go shopping immediately. Action 'Now I'm scared to shops because into

KNOW

lne prices don't even bother look frozen chicken. It used be cheapest meat. Now it's almost 90p a mealum- sized bird. She dreading Was Added Tax because it would put the price of children's Clothes up. Mistrel was clear, what needed SOrt achon was against the government: cially the She idea nurses do it by our- that the government could we can t needed. One-day strikes Everyone must come frighten with threats of leave selves. her useless. Hospital and are Socia. until we get some

WUL

Oul cally WC cuttine Decurily kers are all underpaid, espe- get the Tories.' if she was she said determinedly. on strike. Second site stops to defend trade union THE STRUGGLE by London building against the undermining of workers trade unionism has been taken up by over 600 men at the giant 68-acre new Covent Garden site at Nine Elms in south London. A mass picket yesterday morning success- fully closed the McAlpine contract on the first full day of a strike demanding the re- of moval painters who refuse to Join union. Led by the 300 McAlpine men, the site stopped on Monday when the six painters- for -wno work sub-contractors Brunes —allegedly broke a pledge The new market site-which will replace Covent Garden next year—is one of the biggest contracts in London. Some of the new Covent Garden Men there were some of the most militant during last year's outside the site yester-

BY OUR OWN REPORTER

strike the national claim day at Nine Elms, south London. the hrst day and last to go He said management had Two could force the Tories into being come back after 12 weeks. the Industrial Relations General Election. quoted at him With strike

ACL

and diso salu Lucy 'They to OnCe are

OUT

smaso une were taking on Bovis the men have effect unions, but Heath will have so more, apparently Brunel Paints fight the much trouble with taken the same men is the family firm Aldwych Everything the •men laut unlols Torv Social Securitv Minister The l luxury hotel site, fighting into a fight against also bullding Sir Keith Joseph. to defend trade unionism. the government.' 'Never have I seen so many We've given these men every The TUC had to start 'an all- SuD-ContaCtors on a . join, out the Tories. chance ro ouT TOl Montes war against Bambridge estimate there they've said no, John Bam- Although he was in favour *in be and 40 must between Transport and General the of bridge, right circumstances'

ICIC

Strike, Genera did not think workers memnoel and 'It is a federation steward told me new tactic of the em- the leadership was pre- They split pared to call one. yesterday. ployers. and undermine the Union officials were meeting Now we say no one is going Wamned. McAlpine to come on without this site managenent vester. union card about He thought that the wave of day afternoon in a bid to settle the strike on the site. industrial against Phase this happened on Workers Press, Wednesday February 28, 1973 PAGE 3 The Campbell family in Battersea, south London, is totally committed to fighting the Tories and their state pay laws. Vincent Campbell works at Ford's and his wife Mistrel in a local hospital. Both could soon be out on strike together. Here they talk to Philip Wade.

VINCENT CAMPBELL has got one of the most back-breaking jobs anywhere in Britain: Ford assembly on the line at Dagenham and Mistrel Camp- Chaplin's 'Modern Times', the where, as in th their four children line never stops. South Battersea, fight for there you, cars of the line e the would be no point in the line, focus working.' the headlamps and He said everyone he make other adjustments knew the factory In in three Just minutes, supported a strike from drive the vehicles Thursday (March 1) in to be parked. • then support of the claim. rush back for the next 'But the only answer one. is General national, 'The three of us do- Strike and settle Heath ing that work like mad- and for all. We You once either men. get should all come out used drop dead, said" Vincent. to or and I reckon we should force the government 'Last year the resign.' to £60m made pany, pro- The

TUC,

he if didn't it-but we thought, could have work like that, Ford forced a General Elec- wouldn't make it. Even tion. then they won't tell us "They don't want to how much they made know. On the one side and I think it is way they say they support over £60m. us, then they support The £10 would only the government. line put us in with 'Unless we get new other carworkers. Look, leaders, the time they make one engine Heath's finished with 60 seconds every at this country there will Dagenham, which pro- be no one left, Vincent ves how fast we work. told me. "The Tories say we'll Warning against a re- be breaking the law peat of the betrayal by strike. we go on union leaders of the 'What I think is that 1971 Ford strike, Vin- the Tories are trying to cent said: cut out the unions 'Jack Jones and the completely-trying to others keep looking to- of us should go down bring this country to wards the government. social security office something like Spain. Jones keeps on drinking kids there *If we had to go into our tea with Heath. We money, get some a factory and there was want new leaders every- id determinedly. where.' no union, no to THE COURT of Sessions in Edinburgh will this morning review the contempt of court of position Clydebank town council following its decision to pay a £5,000 fine. Another fine is still possible because council is still re- the fusing to implement rent in- creases as ordered by the court after an application by the Tory government. Bailie Mrs Betty Brown told a special council meeting on Mon- day night that the £5,000 fine had been collected by the trade union movement. Part of the money had come from the Upper Clyde Ship- builders' work-in fund. 'This £5,000 will be paid, but we tell the Secretary of State for Scotland "enough is enough". We want no more punitive action such as this im- people of Clyde- posed on the bank,' she added. Several hundred gasmen meeting at the Catholic Club, Sunderland, yesterday voted to continue their strike action for GASWORKERS in the a further week. north- east are growing impatient with The clear feeling of the meet- the selective strike be- ing was that all-out national ing organized by the official strike action should be started union leadership. at once. 01-622 7029 01-720 2000

PAGE 4 Workers Press, Wednesday February 28, 1973

A POLICY

TO MEET

THECRISIS

THE TORY government is relentlessly pursuing its plan for a con- frontation with the working class. Each day new sections of workers are forced to become criminals - under Tory law - to defend their standard of living against government-inspired soaring cost of living. Large sections of these workers openly acknowledge that the only answer to their fight to maintain a decent standard of living is a General Strike. That is, the creation of the industrial and political conditions which will force the government to resign.

In its place must be elec- be only guaranteed. this can banded and fully exposed. The be done by breaking the grip ted Labour of the Tory adminis- governel of capitalist ownership on the tration in this sphere must be which is pledged by the mass Employed and economy. published. All rights to assem- action of the working class to Ull" employed must unite to insist bly, free speech and the Press implement socialist policies.

a Labour must be guaranteed. We policies say socialist tionalizing the main industries veered to knowing that the pre- and under workers' 5) The right to a higher stan sent leaders of the Labour move- control and without dard of living. It is not the ment have sation. living standards of policies. Indeed, trade aucing such The struggle must begin the last analysis some of them unionists, but the profit sys- will be No closures, no sackings, prepared to loin a

HOW•

causes the crisis. Cudil- must be the policy of the trade The first step government wild tne lories must be to ex. to head off the working class.

Occupation fac- unions. the working. class tories threatened with closure, But it rich, 1S down strong enough to force the Tories of the fight to bring as part Stock Exchange, place a state Tories. down the control over all movements of traitors in own lent 1TC and out of in the midst. This can only be achieved 3) The democratic right to by: exposing them country. in the hight tor strike and to organize in trade Nationalization of the basic all alternalive socialist policy.

unions. Only the organized industries and of all large com- The Central Committee of the working class can ead man. panies, banks, building and in- Socialist Labour League calls kind out of the historical the working class surance societies will provide upon to sup every right every the

COSTS.

the for resources unified

PULL

PolIcIes gain won by the working class, unite working class against to the plan improve living thelso-Feather leadership of the Tories every democratic right in Bri- present standards of the whole people.

tain, been has because Workers' control of these, Woll of the organized strength of avour movesent well as the national- present Here is the policy which the the and strike ized industries, will run them next Labour government must weapon. in the interests of the workers A Labour government must be lorcea lo carry our. and consumers. immediately repeal the Indus- Again, the fight must begin 1) A Labour government must trial Relations Act. This fight State control of wages immediately repeal the Indus- luW. must begin now by forcing the must be answered by the most trial Relations Act, Housing TUC to break off all relations widespread fight for wage in- Finance Act, Immigration Acts, with government and une to meet Fair Trading Act and all wage price rises Creases mobilize the working class to and improve standards. This control. After the repeal of all destroy state control of wages.

Tory means a fight to remove the mea- anti-working class Tory government and change sures, there must be legislation 4) The right to defend rights the union leadership. Charter implement the of in the and change won past Basic Rights, along the follow- All the changes in the system. 6) The right to health and wel- ing lines. legal procedures made by the Tory Every fare benefits. 2) The right to work! Capital- Tory government must be re- welfare bene- cut in ernment ism demands mass unemploy- pealed. All and hits, secret ment. The right to a job must MI5 organizations must be dis- all spending must public I would like information about

THE SOCIALIST

LABOUR LEAGUE

and send to NATIONAL Fill in the form below

SECRETARY,

SOCIALIST

LABOUR

LEAGUE,

186a CLAPHAM HIGH ST, LONDON SW4 7UG.

Name... Address.

CENERAL & MUNICIPAL

WORKERS UNION

CAS WORKERS

AY PLAY FAIR ON

PAY

GAS

WAN

REASONABLE

WORKERS

unite. for a decent Basic Wage Let us FiGHT. be On of the Common Market plans for revoked. the basis dictatorship. nationalization, crash

OLO•

of expansion of ser- gramme Withdraw all British troops the vices to the unemploved. from abroad and disband the low-paid, the sick and the aged present standing army. must be undertaken as an The working Sign with all ex- absolute priority. treaties class and the for Labour govern- colonial countries pro. grammes of equal and trade ment must take immediate and absolute responsibility for mutual assistance, of the capitalist these victims Break from NATO and all system. imperialist alliances. For the carrying out of such 7) The right to decent housing.

policies the SLL fights for the Decent housing is not a luxury; Councils of setting up of it is a necessity. People have Action to lead the struggle the basic right decent against the Tory government accommodation they at rents in These Councils every dica. afford. Nationalization of Call tenans the handful of building mono- all political unemployed, par- polies and building societies ties and tendencies the will for provide the basis (Labour working class Party, massive of new broadlie Communist Party,

SLL,

IS, house building. The disgraceful IMG, etc.) to fight against the problem of the homeless main enemy, the Tory govern- the cities must be immediately ment. solved by census and taking- The

SLL

calls upon every over of all unoccupied and class-conscious perty. SOC ausI worker to consider this pro- gramme and manifesto very The international carefully, and to decide now to respon- sibilities of the working class. take up their inescapable re- The class working is interna- sponsibilities. The building tional. We fight for the un- the revolutionary party is the restricted right of any worker Some remote toure he Sit not in nationality future. any move some remote freely through the world. is determined to carry through Withdraw the from troops its transtormation into a re.

Ireland. Unite the lrish and volutionary party. British working class to throw We appeal to all readers out the Lynch and Heath gov- Workers Press and of the the Unite in the struggle for the our supporters Socialist

SLL

and help transform United States Europe, the only alternative to it into a revolutionary party.

ANTI-TORY RALLY

AND PAGEANT OF HISTORY

"ROAD TO WORKERS POWER"

DEFEND ALL DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS

Unite in action to make this Tory government resign Defend trade unionism and basic living standards The road to power is through the building of the revolutionary party Speakers: gasmen, hospital workers, car workers Gurmeet, Editor Keep Left G. Healy. Natonal secretary, oLL Cabaret in the evening featuring:

ALAN PRICE

JACK BRUCE

ELLIS

TICKETS {1. COACHES AND TRAINS LEAVING FROM ALL AREAS.

PAGEANT

SPECIAL

HUNG IN CHAINS

This is what happened to Will Jobling, a Jarrow miner, in 1831. He was on strike against the private coalowners in a bitter fight to build the first miners' union in the area. He was framed on a charge of Workers Prass, Wadnesday Fabruary 28, 1973 PAGE 5

JULIAN

ALLEN

murder following the death of a local magistrate. They took Will Jobling and hung him. Then, on the specific instructions of the judge, his body was taken to Jarrow Slake where he was exhibited in a hideous steel contraption.

'Let this be a lesson to others who want to form combinations, said the judiciary. On pages 6, 7 and 8, we reveal the bloody struggle which went into the building of trade unions in Britain.

PAGE 6 Workers Press, Wednesday Fo Will Jobling, continued from page 5 Will Jobling was a miner in Jarrow in 1831. He had a wife and two child.

ren. Every day he worked at Jarrow colliery. Like every other pit worker of his day, he was a vir- tual slave to the coal owners. Each year a miner had to sign a bond. This was a con- tract for the terms of his em- ployment for 12 months. First of all, he wasn't paid in wages, but in vouchers which he had to spend in the 'tommy shop'-which in turn was owned by the coal-owners.

All his food and clothing he had to buy there. Most of the time, therefore, he was in debt the company store. So to when pay day came around every fortnight, his debts were deducted at source. He earned about half a Inesday February 28, 1973 crown a day. For that he worked underground for 16 hours a day—if he was lucky, because he could of course, always be laid off. The fav- lay-offs was ourite time for left his which Christmas, income family without any during the winter festive sea- son. If coal stocks were high, he was laid off again. He worked in the dark by the light of a candle which increased the danger of gas explosions. The he seams worked were only a few feet high, so he spent the time half-naked, on his belly, rip- ping at the face with a pick axe. He was paid by the amount of coal that he hewed. If the basket contained impurities, like stone, he would be fined up to 5s. In the pitch dark how could you tell what was coal and what was stone? That was the miners' problem. Alongside Jobling worked and children hauling women the coal to the shaft. None of them saw the light of day from one week to the next.

small cottage that he The lived in was owned by the colliery. If he refused to sign the bond, or the coal viewer didn't like him, if he argued at all about his conditions, he was evicted onto the streets.

For Will Jobling, therefore, life was hard and dangerous. The life of a slave. A miner was the property of the coal- owners. It was conditions like these which made men organize. It Tommy Hepburn who was started campaigning for the first miners' union on Tyne- side. Jobling was among his early recruits. On March 12, 1831, 20,000 miners-'terrible and savage pitmen'-gathered on Black Fell in the County of Durham to draw up their demands for shorter hours and better wages. It was the first time that any such meeting had taken place on Tyneside. There was a certain amount of nervousness when the mayor arrived with of Newcastle troops and advised them to disperse. But they decided not to sign the bond unless their demands were met by the em- ployers. On hearing these demands the employers flatly refused.

Instead great numbers of spe- cial constables were sworn in and as a further security the Northumberland and New- castle Yeomanry were called up to hold themselves in readi- ness to 'suppress any tumult that may ensue'. The men went on strike. The forces of law and order began to hunt them, harass them, arrest them. But the first threat they faced was the exis- tence of a group of men in their own ranks who continued to work in the pits. These were the "blacklegs' On April 18, 1831, between 1,200 and 1,500 miners marched to some of the local collieries and threatened to set fire to them if their demands were not met. They threw yor baskets, lumps of wood and machinery down the pit shaft to stop it from working. After this angry confronta- tion at the pithead, a small group of them broke into the residence of one of the most hated managers on the field.

They ate and drank everything they could get their hands on.

And when they left, they warned the that manager they'd come back again if he didn't choose to meet their demands. The next day the manager received the following letter: I was at yor hoose last reet, and mued musel very comfortable. Ye hey nee family, and yor just won man on the colliery, I see ye her a greet lot of rooms, and big cellars and plenty wine beer in them, which I got ma share on. Noo I naw some at wor colliery that has three or fower lads and lasses, and as gude as yor cellar. I don't pretend to naw very I naw there much, but shudn't be that much differ- enc gan he fit, Wel and ign for hev ven wel ord of dev

shaft small the most field. thing s on. they that if he their the wing • last nysel , пее man heo d big and t ma sorte three ana not ar. very there liffer- ence. The only place we can to o the week ends is gan the tel hoose and hev a pint.

I dinna pretend to be a pro- fit, but I naw this, and lots o ma marrows na's te, that wer not tret as we out to be, and a great filosophere says, to get noledge is to naw wer ignerent. But we've just begun to find that oot, and ye mais- ters and owners may luk oot, for you not gan to get se much o yor awn way, wer gan to hev some o wors now. I di- vent tell ye ma nyem, but I was one o yor. un- welcome visitors last neet.

In the face of these "dis- orderly' incidents, the forces of law and order retaliated on a more vigorous scale. Une of the men in the vanguard of this repression was a 70-year- old magistrate from South Shields who'd sent more men down, transported more men to the colonies than most of his zealous peers. His name was Justice Failes or Fairless. He was a deeply devout Christian who took relish in doling out punish- ment. One thing he hated more than working men was orga- nized working men in unions. He frequently appeared on the read the Riot picket lines to to usher the scabs Act and into work. But despite the activities of his worship, the police, the army and the scabs, coal sup- plies dwindled. This forced the owners agree verbally to _ to concessions: shorter working hours for children, a higher daily rate, the abolition of the tommy shops and payment of wages. It wasn't all their de- mands, but it was the first they time had won anything. The men were jubilant. The union grew and Tommy Hepburn appointed the Was first full-time organizer with salary paid from dues. All seemed well. Until the next 1832, when the bond yaal came up tor renewal. The em- ployers declared they wouldn't grant any increase in wages. Furthermore, any man who be- longed to the union couldn't work. When the men went on strike for the second time they faced far better-organized management. In the time they had the arranged for scab labour to be brought into the area and the military was on stand-by to "deal with any emergency.

They began evicting union men from their cottages and putting scab workers their place. Driven of their out homes, union men, their wives were forced and families to live on the moors. The mili- tary gave weapons to the scabs to use against the union pickets. other words, the watched as union their men their jobs, homes and their possessions snatched were from them by scab force the under benevolent eye of the police-and the church. Most union men une stood firm, but there were some waverers in their midst who accepted the employers' Workers Proses, Wedneaday February 28, They agreed to work, terms. signed the bond and de- nounced One of the union. called Errington. these was But class justice reared itself: Errington shot. dead by Was the miners for collaborating with the employers and une coffin was When army. his taken through the streets the wives of union men spat at it and jeered. From the magis- now on trates, Failes among them, de- creed that it was illegal for any union man to hold a meet- ing. Any striking pitman found on the streets was immediate v arrested. They were dragged back to the jails, beaten, tor- tured the horrible in most fashion and told that they must renounce the union. But the majority of the men held firm. This meant that the own- needed something else ers to break the strike, now in its tenth week. The position of the miners at this point was very danger- Wednasday Fobruary 28, 1973 PAGE 7 A scene from the Pageant re- hearsal: A group of striking miners break into the house of a hated manager. They tie him up, eat and drink all they can lay their hands on, and warn him they will come again if their demands aren't met. ous and difficult. A chronicler of the time said: Their villages were filled with insolent and tyrannical policemen or special constables who were pam- pered by the owners with beer and other refreshments and who showed their gratitude to the by knocking masters down any of the men on strike who came in their way and by locking them up if they presumed to say any- thing. Men, women and child- ren were seen begging about the district; the men, hounded by the police and • military, their wives insulted by the Will Jobling, continued on page 8

PAGE 8 Workers Praze, Wedneaday Fi Will Jobling, continued from page 7 wives of the other men who ought to have had more generousity, and their bairns laughed at and mocked the children. at by_ On une 1l at about 5 o'clock in the evening Justice Failes was riding on horseback to Jarrow Colliery. He was accosted by two miners who asked him for money for food.

Failes replied angrily and when the two men came closer he lashed out with his riding crop. They seized hold of the magistrate and pulled hated him to the roadside. Failes was given a beating and left groaning. One of the men in- volved in the assault was named Armstrong, the other was Will Jobling. On June 21, ten days later, £300 reward for the capture of the men responsible. Arm- strong, who gave Failes the hiding, was never found. It is believed he hovered around the district for several weeks and then stowed away to America. Jobling was captured and appeared before the Durham Assizes on August 1 charged with murder. He was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on the 3rd. In passing sentence the judge said: soday February 28, 1072 The before us Case murder, committed by one wilful the man before the dock and accom- US plice Armstrong who has yet to be apprehended. Gentlemen forward jury, or ine painful interest to the with and discharge of your dutres mine, on which we are called to administer criminal upon justice. Almost of every act violence, believe, may be attributed to the combinations called trade unions amongst working men which have prevailed for too long in the this of Dure Country Gentlemen, these combina- unfortunately

LIONS

derived their from origin change in the law which took place five or

SIX

years ago, Act was passed, re- wonen an pealing all former laws rela- ting the prohibition of the combinations for raising price of wages and permission was given to the men to meet for this purpose amongst themselves; a permission that have no doubt has been carried to an excess and em- braced objects which even parliament under that Act of are unquestionably illegal. Gentlemen, these combinations dangerous public are SO safety and so injurious to the peace and welfare of society that sooner or later they must be put down. I hope by pro- per administration of the law it stands this as great object may be effected. The sentence carried was out soon after 12 o'clock on the 3rd, on a scaffold erected in front of the County Court in Durham. On his way to the gallows 'he exhibited the ut- most resignation and fortitude.

His step was firm as he en- tered upon the scaffold; but power of articulation the failed him, and he was unable to address the spectators as it to be his in- he had stated tention to do. Just as the executioner was about to plunge the victim to his death, a person near the scaffold cried out: Farewell Jobling.' Jobling instantly turned his head in the direc- tion of the voice. The cord around his neck slipped and consequently protracted his death for some minutes be- cause his neck wasn't cleanly broken. The voice was sup- to be that of posed Arm- strong's who smuggled himself into the square to pay his res- to his fellow trade pects unionist. After hanging an hour, Job- ling's body was taken down and removed to a nearby jail.

This was carried out by men of the 8th Hussars and the 15th Foot Regiment who en- circled the scaffold while the execution was carried out.

At the prison his clothes were taken off and he was covered in pitch. On Monday, August 6, at 7 a.m., the body was taken in a wagon escorted by mounted cavalry, two com- of infantry, sheriffs, panies jailers and bailiffs. They proceeded by way of Picktree, Chester le Street, Sludge Row, Portobello, the Black Fell, to White Mare Pool and then by the South Shields Road turnpike to 1,000 Jarrow Slake. About local people had gathered to the final detail of the see judge's sentence enforced.

Under the direction of two Mr Bryan Adas and rare william ton Abbs and Mr Jobling's body was en- raine, cased between flat iron bars of 24 in breadth. His feet were placed in stirrups and and steel collars were arranged so that he was in a standing position. At low water the soldiers buried the end ot the

POIC

deep in the slake. This meant that at low tide the gibbeted body was visible from the sea- front; at high tide only the top 17 or 18 feet of the pole would stand like a grim senti- nel marking Jobling's grisly end. 'The body, when gibbeted, had on the clothes in which he appeared on his trial-blue jacket and trousers, the heel of. his boots quarters were his thrown head was back so that his face quite The Bolder colllery, one of the pits in the Jarrow It was area. here in Jarrow that the bitter.

miners' fight to build the first union took place. appeared as if looking up- ward? Jobling was the first person gibbeted under the new Act of parliament which ordered the bodies of murderers to be hung in chains. His body remained there for several days under the guard of infantrymen. One morning, however, the guard woke up to find that the corpse in the iron contraption had been re- moved. In the night miners crept past the sentry, took down Jobling's body and buried it in a hidden grave.

Those who carried out the clandestine operation were sworn to secrecy. Nobody has ever discovered his grave.

It was under these condi- tions of struggle that the first unions were built. It will only be in struggle today that these same unions can be defended from the Tories, the judges and police thugs. Anyone who says any less than this is seriously mislead- ing the working class and not presenting the reality of to- day's crisis which is driving the Tories into the most ruth- less attacks on the trade unions and their democratic rights.

MR 280 PER CENT

Jeremy Thorpe, the leader of the Liberals, is having a rough time in the House of Commons.

Every time he tries to raise a point at question time he is vigorously barracked by mem- bers of the Opposition. As he tried to speak the other day a shout of 'Mr 280 per cent' was to be heard in chamber. Mr Dennis the Skinner, MP for Bolsover, on several occasions yelled out 'Watch your pockets'. Others chanted: 'Give him a second mortgage.' These remarks refer to Thorpe's directorship with Gerald Caplan's London and County Securities. A subsid- iary, Overseas Financial Trust, last month denied an allegation that it was seeking interest at the rate of 280 per cent on a loan to a widow. The usually garrulous Mr Thorpe is adopting a 'low profile' at the moment.

STRAWBS' UNION

One clear anti-union aspect Strawbs' Part of the of the Union' song, now at the top of the charts, is that both tune and lyrics have been pla- giarised from a much older and far less ambiguous Ameri- can trade union song called 'The Union Maid'. In all of the interviews with the group we have so far read, not once has this ele- mentary fact been admitted.

If the Strawbs had an ounce of sympathy or respect for the struggle of the working class, they would have been L

LES

Now available from New Pa 186a Clapham High Street, quick to acknowledge their debt to the US labour move- ment which has now led them into the money. The American song is about a woman trade unionist. One verse goes: 'This union maid was wise To the tricks of company spres. She couldn't be fooled by the company rules, She'd always organize the guys. She'd always get her way.

When she struck for better pay. She'd show her card to the National Guard And this is what she'd say. Chorus: Oh you can't scare me I'm sticking to the union I'm sticking to the union, I'm sticking to the union (Repeat) Till the day I die? The Strawbs' version goes: 'As a union man I'm To the lies of the company And I'm never fooled bu factory rules 'Cos I read between the lines. I always get my way When I strike for higher I show my card to the Scotland Yard And this is what I say. Chorus: Oh you don't get me, I'm part of the I'm part of the union, I'm part of the union. (Repeat) Till the day I die! It does not surprise us to learn, therefore, that the Strawbs have confirmed to 'The Observer' that the song is meant to be a send-up of trade union struggle. However, artistic products do not always have the effect their creators intended. What- ever anti-union points the new lyrics to make, may try millions of ordinary workers will turn the song into serving their own purpose-a pro- union one. By LEON TROTSKY Paperback. £1.00 Illustrated of leading Sharp pen-portraits the Second Interna- figures of tional in Russia and Europe, for the first time published in an English edition. The translations were first commissioned by the Socialists' Keep Young paper Left' Their enormous success has led to the completion of the translation of the whole book, which is the first part of Volume 8 of Leon Trotsky's 'Works' pub- lished in the Soviet Union in 1926. It provides the most vivid picture available of the historic figures of the Second Inter- national, their strengths and weaknesses, written by an obser- ver who was also a participant in the daily struggle of the Euro- pean and Russian working class.

• New Park Publications n Street, London, SW4 7UG Last year's visit to China by the wife of the Shah of Iran is apparently considered something to boast about by the Maoist leaders in Peking.

'China Pictorial, their glossy propaganda magazine, carried a really fulsome report of the event in its December issue last year. The report gives the Iranian queen her full title-the Shah- banou-and refers with posi- tive reverence to the fact that she was accompanied by her mother and the Iranian Prime Minister. 'Everywhere they went,' the 'whether in the paper says, capital Peking, in China's largest city, Shanghai, in the ancient city of Sian or in the "home of silk", Hangchow, they come met with a warm wel Not only did the Chinese Stalinists turn out to welcome the queen, they also gave the following endorsement to the bloody dictatorship run by her husband: Iran has a long history and ancient civilization. ... Under the leadership of Shahanshah Pahlavi, the government and people of Iran have made con- achieved tinuous efforts and successes in safeguarding state sovereignty, protecting na- resources, developing tional national culture and building their country? 'protects' these The Shah Chinese resources, as the Stalinists well know, with the aid of the region's most effi- cient secret police force and squads of CIA-trained tor- turers. Not only do the Chinese leaders boost his non-existent "achievements', they also glorify the antiquity of the Persian monarchy, which is a constant theme of Iranian gov- ernment propaganda. The Shah is touchy about his dynastic claims, probably because instead of coming from a line of kings 2,500 years old, as he likes to claim, he is in fact the son of a semi- • literate cossack sergeant who grabbed the throne as long ago as 1925. So impressed the BO were Workers Pri Princess Farah, The Shahbanou, where China also had an envoy. Above Chinese by the Shah's claims that they even sent an envoy to the obscene carnival of re- action at Persepolis which celebrated supposed the 2,500th anniversary of the Per- sian monarchy. It must have been upsetting for the Chinese Stalinists that they themselves no longer have a King and Queen to send along on these occasions!

Since he appears to find monarchy such a congenial in- 'peoples', stitution for other perhaps Mao Tse-tung plans to elevate himself to the throne as well? Certainly his minions are great admirers of the Chinese dynasties of the past and of their exemplary relations with the Persian monarchy: 'In 138 BC the emperor of the west- Wedhooday February 28, 1973

PAGE 9

at the Persepolis celebrations, voy. Above: Chou En-lai. ern Han Dynasty sent Chang Chien from the capital Chan- gan (now Sian) to the west- ern regions as envoy. 'His assistant went to An Hsi (Parthia Kingdom, Persia) and was well received.' This is a hitherto unknown new principle of foreign rela- tions: a 'socialist' country which bases its foreign policy on appeals to the acts of an emperor 2,111 years ago! According to 'China Pictor- ial', the 'friendly ties' were later interrupted by "imperial- ist sabotage and obstruction' They have now resumed, the magazine says, on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, non- interference in cach other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit!

PAGE 10 Workers Press, Wednesday February 28, 1873

-ONDON

PAY

Teachers and pupils mount a vigil at Primrose Hill Junlor School, Camden, di allowance. MILITANT Camden teachers yesterday called for a Gen-

BY IAN YEATS

eral Strike to force the Tory London's 36,000 teachers government to resign. demanding the an increase in About a dozen teachers special London from allowance vigil at Primrose £118 a year to about £300.

They mounted a have been offered a rise of £15.

Hill Junior School and spokes- man Mr Peter Rees told me: Another teacher, Mr. Garry Ogden told me: 'I think it is the only way • to bring "The Young Teachers' Associa- the government down. Until there is a change of gov- tion and the rank-and-file move- there won't be ment have been pushing for ernment any change in our standard of living.

long time for an extension of the strike.' He claimed rolling that the majority of teachers earned below nation- And Mr Rees added that after al average pay. A ballot of mem- the ends the present campaign bers would produce a of

NUT

vote leadership would be put up 65 per cent in favour of under strong pressure to adopt a tougher line. an all-out strike.

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Or Full subscription (six days) for ..months. Name Address Amount enclosed f amden, demanding an increased London He said: "There is only one way for us to win and that is to stay out and stay out. If we were to do that the situation would be miners' comparable to the strike.' He and his wife earn about £2,000 a year between them but because of the high cost of close accommodation to the schools where they both work, they are forced to live in one and can rarely afford room entertainment. Many of the teachers were in- sulted by the government's £15- a-year offer which they claimed amounted to 28p a week. Mrs. Irene King told me that • failure to improve the London teachers' pay could have a dis- astrous effect on education in the capital. 'If the London allowance is not increased the service here and it is the will break down ' she children. who will suffer, said. 'Teachers are already having to go out of London because they can't afford to live here and staff turnover is so high that a child can have four or five differ- ent teachers in a single year.'

PETER REES

•.. Change govt Fight rising rents and prices Defend basic democratic rights Force the Tories to resign ABERDEEN: Wednesday, Febru- ary 28, 8 p.m. Trades Hall, 24 Adelphi. COVENTRY: Wednesday, Febru. C ary 28, 7.30 p.m. Woodend Com- munity Building, Hillmorton Road.

EDINBURGH:

Wednesday Feb- ruary 28, 7.30 p.m. Graphic Club, 15 Brunswick Street, Workers' rights and the fight against the Tory government.'

TODAY'S TV

BBC 1

9.15 Schools. 12.30 Nai zindagi naya jeevan.

12.55 News. 1.00 Pebble Mill at one. 1.30 In the town.

1.45 Made in Britain. 2.05 Schools. 3.00 Sunday debate. 3.35 Television top of the form. 4.00 Deputy dawg. 1.10 Play school. 4.35 Jackanory. 4.50 Right Charlies. 5.15 Val meets 5.45 News. the VIPs. 5.40 Wombles. Weather

NATIONWIDE.

6.45 ASK THE FAMILY.

6.00 7.05

TOMORROW'S WORLD. 7.30 NOW LOOK HERE.

BARLOW AT LARGE. Publicity, 8.50 WEEK BY WEEK.

8.00

THE

SCREEN AWARDS.

9.00

NEWS.

Weather. 9.25

BRITISH

Michael Parkinson and John Mills are hosts at the presentation of the 1972 awards.

SPORTSNIGHT.

1973 World Figure Skating Championships.

11.05 11.50 NEWS. Weather.

ITV

12.05 Mr. 9.30 9.30 Schools. 10.35 Yoga (London only). 11.00 Schools. Bear. 12.40 First report. 1.00 String out with Trimble. 12.25 Rupert The Settlers. 1.30 Crown court. 2.00 Harriet's back in town. 2.30 Good afternoon. 3.00 Whose baby? 3.25 Saint.

4.20 Get this! 4.50 Jensen code. 5.20 University challenge. 5.50 News. 6.00

TODAY. 6.35 CROSSROADS.

7.30 CORONATION STREET.

7.00

THIS IS YOUR

LIFE.

8.00

THE FIRST OF LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR.

8.30

ALL

OUR

SATURDAYS. 100 Years of Outstanding Under- things. 9.00 LOVE STORY. When the End is in Sight.

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

10.00

NEWS.

10.30

SKATING

CHAMPIONSHIPS.

11.25

WORLD

FIGURE

SCOTLAND YARD MYSTERIES. Dover Road Mystery. 12.25 IT'S WORTH READING. Andrew Cruickshank talks about read- 12.50 ing Kirkegaard.

BBC 2

11.00-11.25 Play school. 5.25 Open University.

MAN AT WORK. Down with Drudgery!

7.05 NEWS SUMMARY. Weather. 7.30 JOHNNY MORRIS IN MEXICO. Acapulco, Toluca, Teotihuacan. 7.35 MAN ALIVE. If Only We Could Afford It. Thamesmead tenants 8.00 Greater London Council. meet the

FILM:

"THE

SWAN'®

9.00 Alec Guinness, Grace Kelly, Louis Comedy about a princess with a matchmaking Sourdan. mother. EDITION. 11.15 NEWS EXTRA. Weather.

10.45 Man behind the mask is Michael Parkinson who hosts the British Screen Awards on BBC 1. The mask is the British 'Oscar'.

REGIONAL TV

6.35

CHANNEL:

9.30-12.00 London. 1.15 4 25. London. 8.00 Protectors. 8.90 Lo 1.30 2.30 Galloping London. London. News. gourmet. 3.00 London London. News.

YORKSHIRE:

9.30 London. 3.30 Jason 7:00 6 10 Linkup. 6.35 4.25 London. 6.00 Calendar. Treasure 7.30 8.00 hunt 8.00 Weather. 8.nd° London. Alla 12.25 is your life. 8.30 London. This weathere the king. 8.30 12.25 weather.

WESTWARD.

except: GRANADA: 9.30 London. 12.00 Hand- 12.05 London. Hammy Hamo 12.05 of London. 3. 0 12.37 GuNeWs. Honeybun. 12.4( 4.20. 4.00 Crossroads.

DLCL

12.57 London. London. London. 6.00 News. What's on What's on. 12.25 12.28 News. 6.30 lucv life. for

SOUTHERN:

9.30 London. 12.00

TYNE

9.25 Thoughtn fom 13e News. 2.30 Housepar 4.25 3.30 London Today. London. 3.00 maT. Cross- London. 6.00 Champions. 5.20 Cartoon oneon. London. Anna the, 5.50 6.00 Day by day. ano roads. Kendosout 12.40 king. 8.30 London. 12.25 News. 6.30 Whicker's Seas. Lectern. London. 8.00 Hawaii Sve-0a900 9.00

SCOTTISH:

London. 12.25 News. 12.35 9.30 Longon. L.s0 wate 3.00 5.25 Crossroads Crittene. 5.50 London. 6.30 Univer- 9.30 London. 12.04 News.

ANGLIA:

10.30 challenge. London. sity 12.05 2.30 Houseparty. Sound 11.00 Love, American London. 3.30 Odd 3.55 52 Late 11.20 call. 11.25 4.19 News. 4.20 style. Romper 2.05 Reflection,

GRAMPIAN:

10.58 1.38 12.25 London News

CONCOU

12.00 2.45 C3.25°^. women.

TV MIDLANDS

London. Schools. London. London. Programme guide. London. 6.35 London. 8.00 Please sir. Harriet Survival. 8.30 London. 6.00 News. 6.05 Thomp- 6.35 et. 830. London

ULSTER:

11.00 London. 1.32 News. 2.45 London. 10.30 Polic 3.00 London. Women. Untouchables. nAwa Harriet's back 4.23 News. London. 12.25 Meditation. in GLASGOW: Wednesday February KINGSTON: Thursday March 1, St 'Liverpool Cam- 28, 7.30 p.m. Woodside Hall, p.m. Arms', 'Support the gas. George's Cross. bridge Road. men and hospital workers'.

DERBY:

March 1, Thursday, Mechanics' 7.30 p.m. Metal

GLASGOW:

March Sunday. 4, Premises, Charnwood Street. ( Partick Burgh Hall, near 3 p.m. CROYDON: Thursday March 1, Merkland Street Underground. 8 Ruskin House, Coombe 'Hospital workers and the Tory Road. government.' HOLLOWAY: Thursday March 1, 8 p.m. Co-op Hall, Seven Sisters SOUTHALL, Wednesday, March Finsbury 7. Southall Road Park Library, (near p.m. Park Road. 'The Road Station). 'Marxism and the trade Osterley Workers' Power'. unions' to

IN THE valleys of South Wales there are still men who remember the dawn of the labour movement -they remember it be- cause they were part of the early struggles. Tom Thomas (82), of Dowlais, is one. He started on the railways in 1907, a year after the historic 1906 Trades Disputes Act which freed the unions from the threat of bank- ruptcy in a civil court action. Within his own life-span Tom has seen the struggle to build the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants -the union the Taff Vale case. He witnessed its early leader, J. H. Thomas, be- traying the union and the working class. He fought as an organizer during the General Strike and retired as a driver on top rates in 1951. His verdict on today's struggle: Richest 'They're trying to do it again, aren't they? This Industrial Relations Act is robbing everything we fought for' When Tom began work, the South Wales railways were the richest in Britain carrying the coal, iron and steel gouged out of the valleys to Cardiff and the coast. He worked for the Great Western and the Rhymney, -the line in the valley next to Taff Vale Company, the which won damages against the ASRS in 1901. 'I started as a boy cleaner in 1907 at Caeharris depot.

We were greatly awed by the Great Western and Rhymney Railway Company. I got 9s a week for 12 hours a day. It was night work; we used to work the full week round, from Sun- day night to the following Saturday morning. It was hard and there was an awful lot of poverty then, but the pound was full value and that was one advantage.

'In 1909, I beçame a fore- 15s a week, 12 man on hours, six days a week. "Then later the ten-hour day was introduced. That was something we fought very hard for. 'After that we got the eight-hour day—that's where we are now? Victory Tom graduated up through the years. When he retired in 1951 his driver's pay was £6.18s a week. 'When I was young I used to walk in the countryside after work in the morning, or perhaps go to bed, get in the afternoon and up walk. 'That was in the summer. • Sometimes you would go out in the evening for a bit of entertainment. The other part of Tom's life was the union. In his time he was secre- The Pageant in South Wales Vale struggle of the railwa workers won their basic rig JOHNS interviews an ex-rail area who witnessed the early tary, chairman and treasurer Dowlais National Union of Railwaymen - the modern name of the ASRS. The key year was 1911. 'That was when we had the recognition strike all the country. We over weren't out much more than a week, but we won it. The employers had to deal straight with the union from then on.' But before that it was more difficult: 'We had to fight very hard to keep the union alive. We held meetings and the main aim was to advocate and agitate to get men in the union. "Today most workers are in some union or other, but it was not like that then.

We would get a delegation to knock on the non-union man's door —I've been on many of them. 'We used to explain the conditions and how much better it would be when we were organized. Traitor 'We always used to con- vince some, perhaps every month we would get five or six men in — but that was progress; that was how it was done. 'On occasions the manage- ment would make it difficult for us. It was never obvious, but if you were in a spot of bother the sentence would be more than normal if you were a union man. We had to be very care- ho Today the railway line which once once South The Pageant in South Wales is recreating the Taff Vale struggle of the railwaymen to show how workers won their basic rights. Here STEPHEN ful. But later when the union recognized, they couldn't do this «nynore In 1911 the head of the union was J. R. l nolas. 'He as dodi lea dere W as but he let down. turned out to be a traitor end after we had Ine made him an MP, made hin everything he was Alliance "He abandoned the union for the Coalition under Mac- Donald in 1931. "The executive said he must not do it. but he did broke away from the •ang union. 'A big issue I remember well was the Triple Alliance of 1919. The railwaymen were not to blame for this.

'You remember wẹ were ready to come out with the dockers and the miners, but Lloyd George offered last- minute talks. But Hodges of the miners refused. Thomas wanted to go back. 'Hodges' es lootte to brave attitude Thomas away. We were blamed, but T WaSDr our Talr. You Thomas see, was definitely moderate would do anything to avoid strike. 'But sometimes it is neces- sary to strike. 'That's what I know. These are the things we fought for that the young people of today take for granted. I hope you can show them how they were won.' oday the rallway Ilne which once belonged to the Taff Vale Company once South Wales' buslest line serving nine pits around the town.

Workers Press, Wednesday A BRITISH MI5 agent and an Irish police officer were each sentenced to three months imprisonment at a special court in Dublin yesterday. John Wyman (36) of Swann Walk, Chelsea, convicted attempting obtain was official information. found He not was on a joint charge of attempting to guilty pass information. The Irish policeman, Patrick Crinnion (38) of Rathmore Avenue, Dublin, was found guilty of possessing official but documents, not guilty on the joint charge of attempted communication of information.

The sentences run from the men's arrest date last December. le Company still runs through Merthyr Tydfil. It was ving nine pits around the town.

Yodnesday February 28, 1973 PAGE 11 Special ATUA meetings

POSTAL WORKERS

The crisis of capitalism and the future of the trade unions.

Sunday 4 March 10.30 a.m. Conway Small Hall Red Lion Square Holborn.

BUILDING WORKERS

The crisis of capitalism and the future of the trade unions.

Tuesday March 6 7.30 p.m. Norfolk Room Caxton Hall Caxton Street, SW1

SOUTHAMPTON

THURSDAY MARCH 1, 8 p.m. Joiners Arms Hotel St Mary's Street Speaker: ALAN THORNETT (Deputy senior steward, Morris Motors, in a personal capacity).

DAGENHAM

THURSDAY MARCH 1, 8pm Manor Park Library Romford Rd/Rabbitts Road opp Rabbitts Pub speaker: G HEALY (SLL National Sec)

HULL

THURSDAY MARCH 1, 8 p.m. Windmill Hotel' Witham Speaker: CLIFF SLAUGHTER (SLL Central Cttee)

WEST LONDON

THURSDAY MARCH 1, 8 p.m. Lyndhurst Hall Grafton Road, NW3 Speaker: M. BANDA (SLL Central Committee)

LUTON

FRIDAY MARCH 2, 8 p.m. Assembly Hall Town Hall Speaker: M. BANDA (SLL Central Committee)

TOTTENHAM

TUESDAY MARCH 6, 8 p.m. Lord Morrison Hall Chesnut Grove Speaker: G. HEALY (SLL National Secretary)

SHEFFIELD

TUESDAY MARCH 6, 7.30 p.m.

Friends Meeting House Hartshead Speaker: CLIFF SLAUGHTER (SLL -Central Committee)

PAGE 12 Workers Press, Wednesday

ONE DAY

STILL TO

BE RAISED

IT WAS

a magnificent effort great yesterday. You ralsed £311.48 but we still post of have another £318.13 to collect our £1,750 target. One more burst and we will do it! Thousands of civil servants and teachers demonstrated yesterday the enormous feeling against this Tory that exists government. But this determina- tion alone is not enough to de feat the corporatist measures of this government. The trade union leaders re fuse to unite the whole of the working class in industrial action which would make the govern- ment resign. It is vital that Workers Press is used to pro- an alternative leadership vide in this important political situ ation. Our paper is decisive. Let's therefore make a last major effort to complete the fund. We know you can do it. Rush every- thing you can immediately 1o: • Workers Press February Appeal Fund 186a Clapham High Street London, SW4 7UG TEACHERS' leaders called for joint action against the Tory pay laws at a 1,000-strong march in London yesterday. Wandsworth NUT association secretary Mr Eric Porter told a Hyde Park meeting: 'We be- lieve that with solidarity in action the government can be made to see sense.' Lambeth association treasurer Mr Richard North said: 'If we are concerned with a successful campaign, it is absolutely essen- up with workers tial we link in other sectors such as the and civil servants gasmen to freeze, through the government break Backed by the NUT, the de- representing about monstration, half the total number of teachers on strike yesterday, was mainly associations organized by Wandsworth, Lambeth, Hackney, Southwark and Camden. Sed p.10. THE 1,300 British Road Ser- vices drivers who have been pressing for a £2.50 bonus for four weeks voted in Birmingham yesterday to return to work.

Transport and General Workers' Union Commercial Trade Group Alan Law told the secretary drivers: 'The union considers that inter- because of government vention, we can at this stage get nothing more from BRS.' Law said that they had arrived at a position where a split could have developed between car delivery men and other drivers.

Unity could be preserved if the men returned to work so that the officials could negotiate an acceptable bonus claim. The resolution carried was overwhelmingly. But afterward, Harry Shorter, T&GWU steward at BRS Cheap- side, Birmingham, told Workers Press: "The conclusions are obvious.

It is as it always was. Without the Tory government being sections of wor- brought down, kers will be isolated and deteated.

The TUC on March 5 must issue a directive-a General Strike to remove the government.' Registered as newspaper at the Post Office. Published by Workers Press, London, Printed Newsdesk: 01-720 2000. 01-622 7029.

SLL PUBLIC MEETIN

Britwell Community Speaker: adnesday February 28, 1973

BRITAIN'S

civil servants yesterday went on a 24-hour strike in protest against the government's pay laws. It was the first time that the civil service has ever been brought to a standstill by in- dustrial action. White-collar in all workers ministries stayed away. It dis- rupted airports, ports ot entry, labour exchanges, the Ministry of Defence, Department Employment (which is in charge of Phase Two and Three legis- lation), the Treasury and even the Foreign Ofice. Of the country's 11,000 cus- toms officers, 9,500 were on strike. The Royal Army Pay Corps computer centre at Worthy Down, near Winchester, which handles pay and allowances for the whole of the British army was at a standstill. It was a brigadier in the army IN

DEAD S*

Some of London's clvil servants on pi OVER 9,000 civil servants brought government offices in Manchester to a standstill in an angry 24-hour strike against government's refusal to allow a pay increase agreed as far back as 1957. Militants reported a 90-per- cent success and the Department of the Environment, the Depart- ment of Health and Social Secu- rity and the Department of Em- ployment came to a virtual halt.

Pickets warned that the de- monstration was only a begin- ning: "The next step will be selec- , said Joe Power tive strike action, (20), branch secretary of Man- chester CPSA. 'And this kind of action would have been unimaginable in the civil service two years ago.

'But this was before the gov- ernment froze our wages even before the pay laws came into operation. And we were already 20 per cent behind other com- parable workers.' Stuart King is what the civil servants is all about. He has a degree but his pay as a clerical officer is little more than £20 a week. Stuart was out with brolly and pin-stripe on the picket line out- side the Department of the Envi- ronment. His 'uniform' was a deliberate caricature of the old and thank- fully-disappearing image of the civil servant as a docile office slave. MEETING: Unite in action to defend

SLOUGH

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 28

8 p.m. nmunity Centre Long Furlong Drive B Speaker: G. HEALY (SLL National Secretary)

BY OUR OWN

CORRESPONDENT

who was in charge of last week's move by the government to insert circulars written by Sir William Armstrong, head of the civil service, in the pay packets of the country's 270,000 civil servants.

About the only government building unaffected by the strike was the Houses of Parliament, where, with union permission, civil servants remained at their posts. A boisterous 3,500-strong rally was held at Central Halls, near parliament, yesterday afternoon.

The one-day strike could not be regarded as a one-off opera- Civil and Public Services tion, Association chief Bill Kendall told the rally. Interrupted by chants of 'Heath out!' and 'General Strike!', he pledged the CPSA to a cam- paign of selective strikes if the Tories maintained their hard line against civil servants' pay. At the special Congress of the

C.P. SA

S.C.S

nts on picket duty outside the British Museu

BY STEPHEN JOHNS'

Maurice Wilson, assistant sec- retary of the CPSA Department of the Environment branch, said that a rank and file movement connecting all public service workers in Manchester had been formed. 'It is important to stress that we have not been just caught in the freeze. We are demanding payment of increases that we should have got between Janu- ary 1972 and 1973' Later civil servants from the greater Manchester area held a rally in Bolton. Later this week militants will meet to plan fur- ther action in the area. OVER 1,000 civil servants went on a one-day token strike against pay laws in the government Swansea yesterday. Anne Jones, secretary of the CPSA at the new government tax centre, Morriston, said that the negotiations procedure pay which had been working since 1956 had been broken. 'Private industry seems to be able to get "back handers" but the public sector workers get a hard and fast line from the gov- ernment. "The TUC have been sitting on they ven been pushed into a than now that by us and the hospital and gas- workers? defend basic rights. Drive Britwell Estate TSA would be demanding the TUC. next ordinated industrial action against the incomes policy overall'.

fought Had the union leaders more determinedly against Phase One of the Tory pay laws they would not now face such a tough battle against Phase Two, he said.

The rally burst into life at news that support for the strike throughout the ranged country between 85 and 98 per cent.

It gave a standing ovation to civil servants from Scotland, who had travelled overnight to join the rally. Ninety-seven per cent of civil servants in Scotland were out.

John Dryden, secretary of the Society of Civil Servants, faced continual demands for a state- ment on what his executive in- tended to do following yesterday's protest action. Shouts of 'All out!' and 'Heath out!' punctuated his statement that the SCS executive would be meeting on March 5 to decide its future policy.

TODAY

aSEUN

USTICE

ONPA

on pay justice not inflation • Museum. THE CIVIL servants strike re- ceived massive support in the Glasgow area. At the National Post Office Savings Bank head- at Cowglen, quarters almost 4,000 staged a walk-out. Ian Irvine, social security branch chairman of the Glasgow North branch of the Civil and Public Services Association told Workers Press: 'We have closed every office in the Glasgow area. I don't think the claim can be won by a one- day stoppage' IN LANCASTER civil servants rallied in the Market Square. All local labour exchanges and social security offices were closed down.

'I pay more out to some people for social security than I receive in my salary,' said one striker.

9 a.m. Central Halls, (opposite Houses o Report back meeting: 2 p.m. F Workers Union, Blackfriars E Blackfriars

FROM DAVID MAUDE

LABOUR CORRESPONDENT

THE AMALGAMA-

TED Union of Engineering Workers yesterday received a temporary reprieve from.

legal attack in the National Industrial Relations Court.

But the union was warned that it is open to similar attacks in the future unless it registers under the Industrial Relations Act or the Act itself is amended. NIRC President Sir John issued who the Donaldson, warning, dismissed a complaint of unfair industrial practice by the union from Joseph Langston, a Coventry car-body welder who wants to break the closed-shop Chrysler's Ryton-on-Duns- at more factory. Donaldson lay and two judges ruled that if Langston wanted to pursue his complaint under the Act, he must do so his employer. But they against held out the possibility that he might take action against his workers in the High fellow Court. After the hearing, Langston, a non-unionist who is suspended on full pay because no one will work with him, said he would consider any advice from the NIRC about his next steps.

Yesterday's judgement hinged whether Langston had on right to bring his complaint be- fore the court. The general right to com- unfair industrial prac- plain of tices was modified by several sections of the law, Donaldson said. After complicated legal argument, the NIRC came down in support of the view that in such as Langston's the cases complaint could only be brought by the employer concerned.

Non-unionists' rights were only at risk if a union was able to induce an employer to act against them, or get their fel- low workers to do so. 'If the employer resists the pressure by the union, the work- infringed, er's rights are not Donaldson explained. 'If the employer does not resist the pressure, the worker has a remedy against the em- Das a right against the union.

• . and the employer Donaldson criticised the Bir- mingham Industrial Tribunal which originally ruled last De- had cember that Langston a right not to join the AUEW.

BUILDING workers from several London sites picketed employers and union officials yesterday who met to try and settle strikes over the lump and the sacking of a shop steward. • See Covent Garden story p.3.

Halls, Westminster ises of Parliament) 2 p.m. Friars Halls, Sheetmetal kfriars Bridge (nearest tube ackfriars).