Socialist Press no. 224

6% LIMIT ON PAY:

BRING DOWN THE TORIES THIS WINTER!

PRESS

Weekly paper of the Workers Socialist League * No. 224 Affiliated to the Trotskyist International Liaison Committee class-in order to maintain the This government has got rich in the style to which they to go! have bery eastone y Its contempt for the working Every -STeD unemployed, the class-for the Tories since they rode to office poor, on a platform The sick une nomeless. the elderly -is matched only by romises has been taken witl Thatcher's a permina ton taus soic ooccuve. the increase profits Who finance the Tory Party. this bosses education, anu socculators Socisin services Last week doubt. Monday beyond they have sent prices rocketing: they have even natoner nersen stood up anne the sumptuous Lord Mavor's est employers into bankruptcy The neet 1% pay mit on prend London to defend in a bid to increase the profits of the strongest.

SCCTO

workers and amounce Low paid that: "We now have no alternative ut to accept a reduction in with a 6% ubli sector-aimed if investment and employment at millions of low-paid manua are to recover." workers already talking se livity tand a dan she Whose survive in the managers inflation. employers

WHO

CruIse around in company Rovers, ine densory o% nigure-and thus living off expense accounts as tore up the pay deal settled with their the firemen in 1978-the Tories LICy oldl asscl stripping factory closure?

were planne to take even more money off the working class!

No natener means to sac- fice your living standards-the living standards of the working this was the fumbled attempt by

SOCIALIST

Michael Heseltine, the Secretary of the Environment (and millionaire) to sneak through a f3 a week rise Taken • The council house rents. of fraudulent That rent increase alont would effectively wipe out a 6% pay increase for the 5% million They have slashed spending lamies arrected health Bes are being serened tor sharpened old people's homes, knives are being transport; ane even more crasuc auacks.une cabinet is Thatcher debating driven the weak- billion in spending fts so a t to allocate a further unoad une durden wholy onto the bats of tappeakinave Thatcher appears talled to win support for a cu Then, a week ago, they came in the value of old age pension pay limit in the but it seems likely that taxes on drink and tobacco will be increased, along with a rise in sist glin 15% une employees nauonal insur- midst of ance payment-effectively further straight cut in wages for But even as they announced millions of workers. And the growing army of unemployed-who have already had their benefits cut by 5% by Thatcher-seem likely to face The first public revelation of poverty-line existence. These attacks have not gone * November 19, 1980 * 20p

THE MAGGIE MOUSETRO

with The ice ry he inst ine class. The outcry against Tory government has reached ar unanimity great as at any time under the leaders. Heath government. Firemen are right unaware of the action gaged against the working class: Michael Foot in •m car workers u an interview with the Guardiar voted 2-1 for strike action or have been held Day he most shamed kely back only vres of convenors and union ferment growing. officials; miners, water workers explode I do not know.' and gas workers are among the many who have indicated readiness to fight to defend militancy towards Living standards against this Ser 100,000 the rigmarole of to exament.

sector turniture workers are already operatin want it to sanctions in pursuit of thei pay demands. On November 1, 700 dele- gates from the trade union and movement voted at conference by Labour council to Lam Deta fight for mass industrial action by Labour to halt the cuts in local govern- week over ment spending. condemn those responsible.

in aces there is evidence that workers are ready to fight We suppor the Tories. Yet they are being Lal as 1 Protest and Survive reviewed - p.9 Support hunger strikers-back page

36% RISE

IN RENTS!

36%

RENT

INCREASES

should be fooled int! thinkin ffered only abject surrender that such gestures S ou umon caucisno, anu t Thatcher offensive or remove vaque noses or a chance to vot Labour in 1984 by the Labour The ones trom oitse The task in the next perio This is not because they a is not to mass picket the Hous Commons in order to prevent eeling ir the the entry of Black Rod: it is to of, mobilse the mass strength last week pointed out correctly the working class to prevent the Thatcher government destroy- "I think there is a very dee our basic rights and living 1112 When it wil standards. It is by their stand in this struggle that workers must judge buT Tor root the main obec.

tive is not to direct the rising their trade union and Labour mass action leaders. Those that seriously wish to bring down the Tories: it is detend the working class wil to head workers back towards join the fight for mass action explode in a alongside the firemen, BL section other Way WIlc WI MaKe IL DOSSIDE to manian democrate insum Those who oppose fight must be removed. to have its representation here.'

This means building a new This explains the insticutts MPs in Parliament leadership in the labour move- the £3 ment. That's what Socialist Press increase -aneroot terusa to is all about. Join us in the fight their action-as for action to bring down the Tories this winter! went. But nobody

POLISH STALINISTS BID

TO PRESSURE WALESA

Page 2

- INTERNATIONAL-

called for Grabski announced a ban on The strikes "political strikes". November 12 by Solidarity, double i tEls unofficial union the new a onerlee confederation, were calleg had the Polish off when member of the Court withdrew Supreme of State' this week the clauses in their union's unus s clariy constitution that had been arguing now added by a lower court, strikes: Vucsoll This was a clear victorv and inere showed the continuing strength other ways of the mass movement and the grievances without striking" difficulties of the Polişh bureau- Waltsd Has necessity Claly The that the main strategy continued existence bureaucracy is using in order to retain its power and privileges is to put pressure on the leader- shortage This is prov- ship of Solidarity. workers should not strike.

as has been shown ine elleclive ine lob by this week s events Two methods are used. One turn Poland into the "soft' "bulding of importance the leaders, Daricular Walesa. Last Iriday wat i nd with Polish first mecting Communist Party Ipader Stanis- law Kan3 -O unlayu Walesa's respectability combined with But Town the Southern Ine nTO une. industrial city or r zestockowa the local governor, in the run-up TaTiVeC

TOT.

12, took away all TO NOveTOCI stantial concessions. the union'" ivpewrilers. reiuscu of loudspeaker systems TuTeCl

SELIKES

and threatened to use forco to the old union. The fact suppress tre suline threatened anybody striking with instant dismissal ine or a nuler nest day alter And the monites menis ruling, the Com- will . une new kUll . bureaucrats gel munist farly sectelaly tancas "demo- Last the chronic ycal cratic" successors of Franco zovellelil conducted a referendum in Torces Euskadi (the Basque provin- lack ces of northern Spain) over 'statute •rete manale lu autonomy' the through fake The statute was very limited political the amount autonomy it permitted; but it was designed to defuse the most ünrest explosive question in polucally stantly as a pretext Spanish nolitics. igh there was a major- varol o accept the statute "t uently elections were ano sic through a military coup held tosed sg ue pionalist organ- Ine ue nationalist organ- isatio Basgi (militar) continued the problems its military campaign against the Spanish workers. Spanish state. ETA is a small organisation nonetheless sincé which had massive " ranco s cille popular support. support has been shown in the large Il wo ways. numbers of votes gained by the Par tunioy hich have been the Unity) which have been the

ETA

in recent public face Few elecuons Second, in the fact that the Basque population given Stalinist backing tacit CH An effective the extraordinarily than anu :capit- terorist campaign against alists and ment Ders Carrillo, repressive forces of the Spanish Spanish at the Peking statt No evidence sul wall Enrico "Eurocommunist the population

MOST

visit refuse, for imsane. uve against ETA terorists evidence days or haltery had been to the police or in court.

over 100 ans cal people have been Killed in tne

ETA

the between and W ali most these 01 stale from the autlise DOlle alll evcil

WUIS

"social imperialists" armed forces who now ocupy "autonomous" Euskadi in even Now, than Berlinguer numbers ever acaler before. the already thriving DaCK and dollar market ana soeclal method shops continue to exist. goes Walesa says "we shall watch the pressule into whose pockets the money Catholic church. Pope John Paul meting goes". But thi: with is incalllziess Polish Council unless erected workers committees that do this watch- and are aimed partic- and their independence ularly at curbing Walesa, who 1s 4SC t ase chee an …rom me buredcracy Overthrow selte OuI The necessity for new the accepted conscious leadership with a pro- gramme that directs towards a work ng wil ilc of bureau- political to throw the Polish bureaucracy As a result. he accepts that because there is becomes clearer every day. It Is Trotskyist of sugar, wịth such leadership and programme that union: goncanly. ne cena ely muc elecil says, is to get production up and can be developed. "another The possibilities for this are clear. A banner now displaved at Warsaw University has the Gdansk Lelin: A posice statc is a stag inscription quoting Leninl. Meanwhile the Polish work- where policemen earn more ing class continues its struggies.

,This correctly disconnects The occu ation of the Gdansk health Lenin from Inerseat colsil bureaucrats, declares that there workers and teachers' represen- is in existence in Poland a police Poland

OVER

obviously cannot appears to have won them sub- stale (willu The miners' be cooperated with) and attacks the inequality in earnings by the continue against oppressive forces of the bureau.

that the aqver - cacy. ment is now introducing ration- Open the books of basic com- that lal t Instead of coperating with ess-wnt the authorities against strikes, the same, since New attacks on ETA But an essential part Ihe campalgn is a source of Spain humiliation

SOC HIS L

and the armed support w1l inc uce une Bationa inats atd the unsiy other minority oo atitur tof hie pohe

ETA

defence authority of the post- altuna. Franco government and its com- (militar) against the state.

secure pacifica- however, Consistently, Bascue counuiy main workers' parties in Euskadi concessions to diametrically have opposite position allied with the The continued terrorism and ruling Centre Democratic Union in Euskadi is used con- (CD) in a viciousi by real lull ary campaign against ETA.

„ond c àny càd cec c. Sofalist Parties have trequennd Communist only way of regaining tull bour- geois control of Spain as being supported reacuonary "against politics venee Haliundiese most recently r on November 7 in Aoc ınoz d dob San Sebastien) (near facing Basque or Laldwu when 3,000 people marched in Carrillo in Peking things cold illu- Union. strate the break-up of the The Chinese press has had monolith better feature articles on "post-Franco- congratulating recent visit of CP on its fight against Spanish Santiago Carrillo to China.

pornography une po vucul. the and anarchistic tendencies Beadel The Chinese CP and Carrillo Communist farty, banquets in seats agreed that "Aggressions like in Czecho- imprint Cambodia trom the yittilalll Berlinguer, and Afganistan nus lallal soyani 'counterpart. absolutely intolerable consisted of a modern world." They also agreed to pass over on boll siues as the case the wiltd entors ol une bas n ve Ha yanan cn Chinese CP Secretary General Five years ago Mao's govern- to declare thàt after the chance ment used to revile ine italal and Spanish Eurocommunists as 1957 Mao Ise-tung had Russian mitted numerous u ra-el errors"-one explicit criticisms yet of Mao by Wa0 s suclessors sec new leadership. Carrillo Both sides in the talks also revered allies against the Soviet the Polish unions should be demanding the opening of the under their own control. books of the economy. And they must fight through They the central strike _commaliee. that began to develop in Gansk develop IWOrK the that control and production TeTIS distribution. For this the workers will masses

MUSI

Kiline costed by EtA) a demonstration against policeman and his girlfriend they DUl LIlaS ciltlt dise Jonea a new agreement lonllg a Front for Peace and agains with the right Violence together Nationalist Party will- Dasult (PNV) and Adolfo Suarez' UCD the As well as the CP and the Socialist Party (PSOE) a partic- sivant in this reactionary pact in defence of the Francoist armed forces is the party Euskadiko (Basque Left) which Eskerra the political front of the other branch of ETA-ETA (politico- militar). It is likely that this new move will more or less dissolve the small amount of prestige which ETA (PM) retains. sought to emphasise differences between the and the European Eastern countries. the This was part of the effort of the Chinese, which Carrillo went with, ,to give the visit a strongly anti-Soviet character the betweer alcolu Spanish and Chinese CPs against Soviet domination should not, are however, be allowed to obscure the another basic fact. For although the USSR is hostile Carrillo's indepen- from Moscow, the Gence Kremlin leaders totally support (as do the Peking Stalinists) the long-term policy of the Spanist Le vca caes on collauuld most tion with the spanisn bour geoisie. SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday November 19, 1980 Russian army and masses for need to develop defence militias indepen- solidarity and similar tion to oust the Stalinist bureau- cracies from the deformed and will also have degenerated workers' states.

ln [nt anlily comes under The1 control through soldiers soviets On this basis, too, the Polist dopca Strikers at the Lenin Shipyard in Gidansk

NOW

AVAILABLE

BRINGI

a Socialist Press pamphlet

THE TORIESI

E THIS WINTER!

A brand new pamphlet, spelling out programme and perspective for struggle to oust the Tories.

Available, price 45p including postage from WSL, BM Box 5277, London WCIN 3XX

TURKEY: the imperialists Schmidt worried by SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday November 19, 1980.

-INTERNATIONAL

captive "ally' Second Between thẹ of Menderes' Democratic Party, World War and the Septem- amo roune sen oree co ber 1980 coup, Turkey has recognise the right of workers to organise and strike suffered two previous milit- In response to the movement ary coups. oi the workue ass ll luo- the latest crack- a democratic constitu- Howevel. auced down is oi a completely diller• Lon. 1960 and 1971. character from those of contrast, coup 1971 the 1co/01s0 earer coups tWU OnSC O InHo CHast

CESI

were different important repress the working class which we capitalist respects, series. describe in this two-part that Demiel's right wing Justice the lelt coup ol 1900 over- ranty goverment was unable io threw the corrupt government adequately defend. The military regime of 1960 Turkey received no imperial- st oi ohe Cond war Only after the came to bower in response to d situation of complete economic was the advent and political crisis. dispatched Nayy This was a crisis of a regime straits, supporting

LUIKE Y

against Stalin's claims, and that had prospered in the cot ditions post-war boom bringing Turkey firmly into the which US dominance moellallst 10d The first twenty-five years of ed for imperialism alter the war Turkish Republic's history of this regime we must look at from its foundation in 1923 had and historical background been markea

NOL

failure

TOOTS.

to establish an indepen- On 19 March 1945 Stalin dent capitalist economy but also repealed the *Friendship Agree- establisk even tallult ment' between Turkey and the stabie cesenatn positivl witl' in imperialism.

WANK

negotiating new economic hecallse • The Molotov territorial claims condition of imperialism in the tage of the boom, a government straits between the both on the no credit committed imperialism DaCk anun develop the Turkish The Democratic Mediterranean, and some necessal y

OLY.

Eastern Türkish cities such as Party was founded to fulfill this Rize and Trabzon. role 'Beneficiaries' The leading members of this Turkey refused m Tesoonse. Repub- to negotiate, and looked bally

U1UNG

from Britain and the But with the stabilisation of support ¡can reople s rally, 'tne pall) of Ataturk's nationalist one-

USA.

imperialism after WaL. the its party state. Stalin. and In19 | peroa, deceme r Witl hostility of the masses the tof thai 'cold war' in 1947 expansion credit _l uTkey imperialists stood by the ficare oof of herprine 'bene- repression KPr Combined the strategy of with the bourgeoisie's desire to ficiaries' with the degenerated atal cone be free of state controls to give workers STate rorem ao truman vocanne ana assoclatcu Yalta which had carved the Warena a iol mne Democrate ray victory m capitalist into "peacefully co- conomy was to take tull pialis- stable the elections of 1950. up US aid, and an agricul- existing" spheres of influence. Reagan victory As expected, Helmut make any concessions and ihe Schmidt ballot expected to was re-elected favour Christmas New. Chancellor following the action-a 75% vote is the legal Democrat/Free Social requirement, beToTe Democrat (SDP/FDP) coal- permis diy in toeany aus.

militancy ition victory in last month's rise runs alongside West German oi wes Bundestag a wor olle Germany's economic crisis, with elections. a sharp rise in unemployment.

Socialist Press Pamphlet con- But he, and the French taining of the military Giscard coup by the Bolivian generals. d'Estaing presidenT Outlet are reportedly very worried by Reagan's the United Will The lobby Diales anti nacal fear the repercussions perhaps bigger in West Germany .Hev could have on East-West inlan ally walte Cist allu alst relations-West Germany's provides outlet for "Ostpolitik" militaris has shown Schmidt will be discussing itself with Reagan Washington thousands demonstrations that extsi e omany is ani sing against sundeswert that Germany Defend Bolivian masses at the (German Armed Forces) jubilee line should the FORE OI MeC celebrations, which police Reagan trigger off a military nave oroken up will wale. confrontation. cannon. Earlier this year 250 police Strike ballot and aguinst Hunureus were injured in demonstratons imperialism! against

NATO

anniversary But there are worries for him demonstrations even at nome. thought that Next month. the Postal Avone Wild Workers' Union are to hold a the "liberal" FDP would be a demanding influence senold ook at strike ballot, Price 32p incl. p&p from WSL

SDP

for *Socialist Iree uine

LUU.UUU

Silll l BM Box 5277, London WCIN workers. Cannes HOlOTIOUS 3XX The will not "Berufsverbot". tural boom associated with the Korean Democratic Party's programme of economic largely deve ooment successful. In return, , Turkey became a

NATO

and agreed

WICHOCT

the establishment bases in Turkey. Military inte- by gration the price paid Wak Turkish for bourgeoisie Lne imperialism's 'aid The history of class struggle between marked by rapid unionisation vemocrat rall government tried to accomodate The "Berufsverbot" (profes- sional ban) is a law wnien enec tively bans all those who the consider (i.e. state getting jobs trom

COMMELISLS)

the sectol Cal even have people sacked for the sallie ludovis Although this vicious legisla- tion against The ert nas some times proved an embarrassmen , it was the FDP who o the SD busneeor moerasune macasule.

draw distinctions betweer "'minor" public employees and senior civil servants. also JuDe Cr Tr Want tne abolition of SPD laws which forbid contact between "terror ists" and their lawyers. Vulnerability The SPD will not give way on this; but because of their vulnerability, they have had to support FDP amend- aricc ments to the law The Schmidt government confidence boosted by the their electon VICtOTV Will not nes tate to attack the working class world recession West Germany's economic even macie. ana an ursele necessil is the building of a Trotskyist By David Larkin The realty ot the cass struggle by recognising the right to unionise but denying the right to strike ine yellow trade unionish exported by the USA was used form against attempt maevenaent dade umon. All independent unions wert accused of being nests of com- munists, divisionists, etc., allc were e polca confederatio while the yellow Turk-Is (whos- leaders had been trained in the

UNA

ov ate Arau ano Ene CIA) was promoted party which starts from the macbenoent haleresa

COH

working class West German cop films demonstrațors Page 3 strikes Despite this, for Ini0n1catlon wager ( ano coni ditions grew . The highest point of struggle strike which was smashed after a snort ume o une manierenol of the army After the initial . economic based on Marshall Aid suLess ane ancala boom. mne orod lems of the Menderes govern- ment mounted. Borrowing Marshall Aid was replaced not imnerialist investmen but government borrowing The to build ar independent, capitalist econom) ec o ponces-oorrowine Iron abroad and printing money home-that resulted in roarin inflation In August 1958 the Turkist lira was devalued by 265%! The growing discontent of the masses was govern ment repression of all kinds o opposition Even the RPP was attacked.

with some of its leaders being imprisoned. Despite the loss of any base of support, mne bemo cratic Party continued in powe!

winning the : 1958 elections onl micans ul gentia lepicssiv.

Kemalism-Turkish national ism in the traditions of Kemal Ataturk -has beend Turkish 1f1 •allll its formation during the liberation struggle of 1920-23 ned wili that The active of the army struggle; but the weakness the bourgeoisie Turkes allowed power, in the shape of the KPP.

until the late forties. Bureaucracy The

RPP

directly represen- ted the state bureaucracy, , which major sections exel iters tn landowners and inexperienced 110 Vi Turkish bourgeoisie was the strength of thi. tradition (to which Pren tàyy dictator General claims to be loval in the ranks of the army officers union combined with growing discon persuaded tent of the Illassoo. Tin E generas to overtrov the corript Menderes regime on 27 May ledge - with dema repair gogic pledge repiace the tull independence oi the nation The same pressures forced generals to put forward the that democratic constitutior was • su•vorled over wutanely when put to a national vote.

The right to strike however was not recognised for anther toree veas ana unen ony limitations Nevertheless there mant strikes ando there throughout period there

THORS

Impetus working movement and mass radicalis the ation working masses that gave dnu sluucls and „ite fo tne last cros Kemalist blood in the ranks of the the charac- forming army 1960 coup ter of the radical' phase dia not Us for tre i lotis, ins eitt . Negotiations with Us baser SOll were started immediately after the coup A radical rebellion in a milit- ary cono n was smasned shot. imperialism that the Kemal only the ideolog was that from Ine LOrC Callic reeme eau o race enver Turkey was a reliable and sub- servient "ally

150 discuss way forward against Thatcher Conference reflects anti Tory militancy Page 4 They used call us 'Generals without an army': but now it is us that stand at the head of thousands of workers who want to fight Tories-while the their 'Generals' the union bureaucracy are fighting on the other side! Alán These words from BL's Cowley Assembly plant- summed up the expressed nearly idence every speaker in the November 15 conference of the Campaign for Democracy the Movement. Set-backs and betravals have indeed been suffered, as several speakers xplained; and trade and Labour leaders unior conne on de bal to hold back the struggles of the working class. this conterence Dul

HUIC

any than previous conterence held by the CDLM, succeeded mood reflecting a new

TOOT

ano noering me lacu that the crucial factor in the next period is the fight put up and indebendent Headersnio working class. Speakers at the 150-strong Digbeth Hall, conierence Birmingham, incuced serve from many of the major struggles against the Tory ortensive in me last Denoo Tony Richardson from BL's Plant introduced Body Cowley ine conierence mam resolution.

outlining the fight to reverse the sell-out of the BL pay dispute. Firefighters FBU speakers pressed for a resolution pledging Simile to defeat the 6% pay A second resolution was also carried, which caen tor tne series of one-day FBU strikes to by a call for all- out action-"such action to be taken to coincide with strikes by other sections of workers or at the completion of four aay sunkes -willchiever sooner. Other speakers detailed their bitter experiences of betrayal at the hands of union officials.

the KoperIson Birmetals strike pointed out that the major unions involved

GWU, AUEW

TGWU,

and down the whole Birmid group yet officials their support; naa aone noting bal urge thiel members to lift their 24-hour picket! young worker from the a vishite Manne ol-ile yaa di Hunterston gave an account of development of their 15- dispute, week health and safety ano ne renatas to wach bonel• makers' leaders had gone to sell- out the strike. Gardners Gardners Tom _Convenol that McAffee admitted Thought we na nounce problems until we heard of the stories today" part of the cusy occupation had been watoners to force the AUEW to make the dispute official. That had happened within a week. But the hard part is getting the dispute benefit: six Labour bodies movement that sent delegates to the CDLM Enfield converence included. ¡rades Colne Leicester irane‹ Council; Cowley 5/293 TGWU

TGWU

Export Packing Banbury; ACTSS 5/293 Black- wells, Oxford; Leicester Oxford Great Oxford barr. Lamael Genera branch Hunterston Joint Shop Stewards Mid-Leicestershire ommittee:

NUT;

Leicester

LULL

Committee; xtoro

DHSS

Branch;

ASLEF

Kings Cross Branch; Bucks Brigade

FBU:

ACCrington Aylesbury LPYS; Rank and File Mobilising Committee; strike committees AowesT. BIr metals and Gardners; and the Llanwern Action Committee.

Firemen on the march during their national strike weeks occupiers have even more unrepresentative BL received not a penny from

AUEW,

Instead, the Cowley stewards while the

DHSS

democratic demanding been docking ty per week trom allowanes due to dependant ne delegate conference which would then elect a Joint Nego speaker Llanwerr succiworker was commies Group problems Until this is done, national Outiner the in fighting for democracy within and "convenors the Iron and Steel Trades Con- only handfuis I escalate members could continue to ride leutralon. wishes of a They were demanding that BL manual the ISTC's majority workers shona be decison-making. ma teacher its delegates should demo- Scottish lan elected; and McCalman, chairing the after- elected and session of the conference, officials drew the accounade to une memocr The link between the fight programme daopted al a central for democratic procedures Scotland conference on unem- ployment in Falkirk. within the unions and the strugge or demanes necessar Joint Committee ade end the orkine das vas theme major conmolnon Dv Alan nornell He described the campaign entirely adequate-was already Cowley beginning be vaged put the Pant shop stewaru. anally! practice And in Glasgow SOGAT had unrepresen nave Negotiating Committee and the begun an important campaign accountable the candie within the Party had the conditions fight Foot changed dramatically as a result of the Blackpool conference Speaking on the fight for The fight was on two levels- democracy the Labour the une lor conrol over Party, Ted Heslin, expelled Party leadership by the rank and for selling Socialist Press, for socialist pointed out that this had policies Neither fight should be used been a recurrent question at as an argument for postponing CDLM conferences. or ducking the other. The very first CDLM confer- Marxists ence had incuded speech from Keith expelled from Islington Labour And Marxists in the Labour Party haven't always played the Party

HOT

cuttising une MP! tole maev showa nave …cone it recent years, stressed Bloxham The CDLM had also fought Rank and File Mobilis the Tons Kelly. Committee socialst

IOT AIS

Was efforts to drive out Reg Pren- Ior Struggie against ine tice at Newham North East right wing But as John Bloxham, t was not a complete united tront-there arv or me kank and rue Moon- ising Committee emphasised. •neong varue to secure use mul

· LAMBETH

• OLD

ON THE PICKE

for the establishment of a city- malth service lefton t be any there wide Joint Shop Stewards Com- millet cererates rom all unions in the public and Youth sector development since World War I. unlike any TGWU member Mick Liggins to organise Coxhead drew out the contrast spoke of the fight between the stubborn fight you th tunities Programme" , where the drains closure wazen ov union members small, isolated wage is only £23,50 per at a with factory committee had been refusal the at a warea much largel ana belie orcan- racialism ana a list or demand: ised hospital to wage any fight Tormulated whatsoever. Drawing the large hospital had been Tony Richardson empha- close sised that: Coscu. me maer one nas been open, workers have kent and we are not waiting Ior the willing to mass movement-the mass movement already work-in to prevent closure UrE Workers want to know which Steps were being taken to way to proceed. We must offer support the work-in with strike them a perspective. action But the NUPE and COHSE the the tight deals! nothing workers would leaders nad done caNs prevent the closure St. recognise the need for a new leadership. Benedict's Hospital in London "We happen- but we'll keep on fight- Make Labour leaders admission of the CDLM to the democracy in the Labour Party was carried, including a pledge commitice. ana ll was amirea that: fundamental Its scope differences on policy "The CDLM commits itself branches What is before us is the fight to campaign in union to ensure mat une rank ane te Lo vote 1or any lomla 10l Ult are not cheated out of the gains electon or party leader October the following conference, stressed Bloxham conditions: Annual elections, manda. the attacked the linur le for elections tal tory wnen the party is in oppos Labour leader postal ition and optional (to be decided simple majority) ballot-which would disenfran when in office. chise trade union affiliated members, and hand over control 2. Voting at conference with direct votin , for every organis- ation and MP there 3. At least two-thirds of the argument for the PLP to have any in the election total votes for trade unions and special CLPs with

PLP

to ot the exceed that of CLPs must 12l voting with that role. Taking this fight into necorded details the unions will overlap with the every fight for trade affiliated organisation union demo- 5. Full provision for casual vacancies. An amendea resoluton on SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 19 November 1980

SPECIAL

REPORT

BY TERRY

SMITH

The riahi in the unions The conference discus- sion on the fight for demo- the cracy unions was curtailed in time by the of moving an emergency motion in support of the Kish and Armash. Long Kesh and Armagh (see page 2) But there time was candidate for ATtnur Pearse a toe piet to the barrage of point to TuIt chances beer implemented the Chapple leadership since the witch-hunt of Communists from the leader And Danny Broderick, from the Adwest strike committee outlined the obstacles that con front workers who now look for a road of struggl employers- -they face not only bosses, the government. the

CONTIS

officialdom and the witch-hunt- also the had nate carried subby national press umon leaders Not one • of the three key officials responsible for betray ing the Adwest strike was elected to office or accountable to the membership. Despite the defeat of their fight at Adwest, ted the he had me intention of puling back from une class surigge cariod was spellin of all systems voting; for officials to be made accountable to the membership; and the expansion of democracy in pay negotiations. Chapple

Fighting to stop Camden SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 19 November 1980 Council cuts of or the council's proposals to the The bankruptcy Local Government of jacking the policy up commitee. revedis ine substitute rates councs aren fighting the Tories has *asking all departments make contingency plans 'exem finally rebounded the the effects of a 10% plifying' of Labour leadership cut have decided to sell council Camden Council. Labour Council's houses are asset stripping by selling commitment to manace coll- alism at all costs has seen them off sumous sites and balungs offensive on long leases. the 1110VC threatening up to 300 Dul d-allist the woe cordination of hi iobs in the building department combination huge by axing the estates modernis- ation pe aarmp. support grant, lalt attempting to force the penalty Local Government and through redeplovment. 6% cash limit Having adopted Bill and now These policies the Council leadership rises them the impose at the council and then forced expellst tile rapidly class solidaritv that thev could move nem have called upon to fight the position of imposing cuts.

Tories.

POOLES

have been struggling to bring this sharp turn in the Council's Edwardes-style the poncy oul At internal party meetings Following the method of rank and file members have Shaw, Council leader, sent will Roy been told that the council Shaw, Council leader, once Tor again pass letter council employees an nett ye a massive 58% rise to all next year's rates and "earnestly asking you for in rise tale particular flexible outlook December towards change notably Even a cursory look at the Council leader's October report rigid retero ell to the Camden Labour Group, working arrangements."

TORIES

PRACTISE

ARMY:

ЗОВАВА

CALL

UP Between November at least one day every year for equipment checks and briefing and 27 8,000 regular army reservists living in the North Pym Secretary vererce East will be 'called up' for expects these changes to halve one day as part of a country the time needed to mobilise the the with soldiers now wide plan. to reduce time needed to mobilise the centres near Lnel homes instead of travelling to 45,000-strong country's depots all over the country The strength of these forces and their usefulness Hundreds ex-soldlers. most of whom left the army less The industrial can be than nine have upsurge y vals azu, grasped if remember we that aeady Ieportea to receive lull are all trained soldiers and kit issue to be kept in readiness uney home to speed up mobilis- secondly We figures involved from major alluis. northern towns rrevious y TeserVISES were ext at to tee intran DIaulUll _Leeos iabilits Cleveland 300, Darlington 500 training annually

SOUL OE

was 300, Ne ewcastle 1,300 never invoked. Sunderland From this year, reservists Doncaster will be expected to report for to nress Andrew Bethnal (building works services chairman) has taken this further by issuing carlin a stasy a letter c consider taking voluntary Ieaun dancy only divide : tactic the workforce (for example told Will that the reason they offered work direct result the inflexible attitude redeployment NALGO and NUPE). And it will undermine the authority ot the cole will leadership in the Borough.

It has been followed up with management-convened section meeungs pusing Councu line This capitulation with a sharp Heseltine has met responsi 1101 council unions at ane camden Joint Shop Stewards Confer- On Tuesday 11 November stewards from UCATT, and NALGO agreed on a policy of no redundancies; no Tear mans. redeployment; no cuts in jobs and services. Inis meeting also set up a steering committee or tne unree negotiate with the council same time Dul At Bramcote near Coventry the industrial Midlands kitting our regular soldiers are reserves miles radius of the barracks, said to be 2,100 men in all. Clearly trade unionists must view Inese develooments wilt alarm-not forgetting the cash laid out to finance including of £100 per Itserve plus traveling expenses One Midlands newspaper estimated the cost : of kit issued to be a turther £102 per reserve remind DuCI montons socialists that whilst the concept waging class war is far from LIlt trace bureaucrats, it is ever present in the minds of Tory polite of bolder grown on dished trade allay als umon ana raoour rary ledders.

HERE'S A NICE CUT

JOKE L

HESEL TINE

ABLO

start stabour Party to on post cou thi within represents campaign forward for future co-ordinate swake acmon aramst une councul cuts. The council's moves have been met with Leaflet also response Party itself. • will une bauvul As the leaflet advertising the on Novemoer meeting correctly says over Party menies in the thorouge agreed dee sons nave Borough agreed been taken within the confines uencies in the council set up the Camden Labour between the Labour Group and Lefthis caucus is based from come once the leadership its inception on a commitment have turned the Labour Party outside the fight the council's betrayal unions to mobilise oppos trade aired Convened meeting on November 30th.

Through its elected steering "We believe that an alterna- tive exists to the council leader l de la Sovanels ship's Irom the Lambein LeIt and captualon the unions in the borough must include the mobilisation of

PRESS

GANG

Yes we knew it. Only a not know its duty, the Express week after the press predic can remind it "Mr Foot and his Its leader ted the end of democracy know it, the riots ora wiers condemned we "totally inexcusable ine lugos began the House of in scrum formed by the MPs. Commons. indirect insul • the only Monarch MPs-looking Labour sus- piciously like picket line- nersen. l was aso a cnalence the authority Speaker the the Dockea unt entrance system and democracy. and parliamentary House or commons and black Rod had to hang about at the was not entrance like a lemon. Tuarolen much worried about Black Rod the Queen as about what Shirley Williams to tell the MPs to wind them- Guardian a symbol of selves up is surely always worried It he can't ever Shirley Williams might think). get Into • ine commons tner what hope is there left? Apress he a been sen Centre Party popular hasn't he? Not actualv electec of course. But definitely chosen one ot the reported link a bit lightminded of between a Gang of Three break the Daily Mail to remark: "Such 'centre' and the away party Guardian is that the number oi men ks all balt or de ballid mentary tradition reaching back people to the time of Charles I" former would be about the same That the hardly serious numbers who ame or a barer wck sees redmend it square coit. It said with "They to resist the square ought temptation "Gang of two to try to turr Live cae stole the Commons into a theatre of nrotest at abour t to forget that Shirley pico do saised deepers Williams actually defeate suspicion was by Shirley Williams in une las anu unlal tne wang or Inree is lisell party an extra• parliamentary body) anti-parliamentarianism Mail about some Labour MPs." Page 5

THIS IS THE ONL

ACCEPTABLE CU1

trades unions and tenants associ- 200nS

7LADO11

Party and other councils on Heseltine's "hit list', in a direct Tory government. Council of such a rejection policy will the labour movemen ing large sections of the Labour Party itself-ranged against their policy of cuts. direction that Socialist Press and supporter

WSL

members have tought fo and will continue to fight for.

But Coulst 'unparlia nonsense Uccasiona mentary outbursts selves part of the parliamentary UlUS swallowed its secucuive Dorson any rate the Telegraph AT and the Sunday Times seemed concerned with the events Lilal on the hoi poloi. Marches The Telegraph said: 'There is far : too much talk the on Labour side about thi meets "re coin to call, the marches the acts of political politics are quite bad enough in ust. as a lom or reasoned argument rapidly become intolerate they Parliament The Sunday Times (its death throes sevil pompous man ever) saic If the methods of the sit in and the strong-arm picket lin lu seem cuen because not universally repudiated, then at the apex of national discus- sion there is a lesser value set ol reason man on musce and the effects will flow downwards again into a multitude of lesser gatherings"? They must desser be the working class!

BOLIVIA: THE BACI

JULY COUP

Page 6 It's clear that in order to reach a July analysis coup we have to understand the „once eve doments the. two Can you for principal outline features of that period. we nave to start belore Ene fall of Banzer (in August 1978) with hunger strike of late the 1977 and early 19/0 lilal obtained the polltical amnesty and concession of elections.

The hunger strike, begun by four women. was working action, class independent action, 1 time when was in severe ultral all economi tilsis Nevertneless. certain the previous seven the 'demo- alongside crawnz laction for a aner and thined general and unrestricted nas barua victory was wor iy the poining 193. Band von the working class. ment of the proletariat towards The bourgeoisie gained from the moolsawon walen sureneuneneu its electoralist strategy.

working class lost political temporarily expression: it forgot its Class inacpendence in its support for formal democracy a left front but these failed since 1978 elections by virtue of the fact he masses, the formal supported LneY workers a so most or tne bourgeois democracy, coulan t 'left' in the point of front led same trench as the 'democratic working class politically the. by acton or the pourecolsie Nevertheless, some groups tried to the UDP formed and Lull What, then,

(FRI).

These Trotskyists were me maor ane foresentst 197 rectipositical wife and on. Bres int the Popular and formation cite lull Democrane careruly Incu the they didn't go beyond bourgeois veteran T100 wineer Hernan Siles Zuazo, allied with themselves and the pro-Moscow Communist the FRI was only a popular front Party (PCB) and the petty bour- geois MIR. This was a large front and on of the played a major the debacle of the 1978. After the diversion une Dolltilal poll, working class towards mere anti- electons. Lile dictațorial positions, the UDP's Pereda's eventual coup and ten overthrow by General Padilla the call for fresh elections with acmocral stale woll a laulll) of working class, support.

would avveal lal right there conditions were auspicious for Victor parties of left their What broadly perceive error. raZ estenssoro. happened in 1979? represented the interests nett aroups al remaine In 1979 Paz was to acquire ubmerged in electoralism. Only the and under importance Party (POR) presented an analy- the cruellet covernment became virtually the sis of nonroeois democrav and But in 1978 this showed was utterly candidature. General for it exist in played impossible Tole was Pereda orew backward capitast counuy inc resolute opposition from the Bolivia, the leadership that whom the

UDP

oppressed nation and the the proletariat masses is the sublect of a direct appeared ine omy alterative There were attempts to form confrontation between General Garcia Natusch Miners at the Siglo XX mining camp: backbone of the resistance to the new dictatorship.

imperialist bourgeoisie and the working class. Because capitalism is in its the proletariat poses an increasing threat to the bour- geoisie and the petty bourgeois- The only alternative in ine long-term in 'Bolivia backward like workers' and peasants' govern- me The "or thread as die will the elections greal energy

LILO

Let us consider Inese Torces detail. the pro- VoscOW inter- KnOW revreselli national eve nothie less unan the into the Pou loose. Bolivia the PCB transmitting bourgeois interests.

Thus, it has consistently held the Inem onto une ceciolai Dali.

The PCB is well represented on the COB (the Bolivian TUC) this has made mae the task that much sil ally a pelty bourgeois torce i both composition and programme, Stalinists- pro-t eking the PCBM-L-(Pekineses), while they present themselves tried to the left by as being further creating the

FRI.

simply another presented petty bourgeois reformism Programmatically they stood with the PCB and the in line UDP and in 1980 they moved ever supporting Paz in the June elec- shared the stagist bellet programme Maut actions perfectly logical.

Of increasing importance in 1979 and 1980 was the Socialist (PS-1) of Party-One Marcelo Quiroga Santa Cruz.

The PS-1 made a great effort to form a left front to represent working Class still failed to supersede

DOUT-

geois democracy and, therefore failed in its tash It was unable to see that the proletariat had to head such a front with an independent class politics The electoralism ol ine is- was made overwhelmingly cleat leading the committer TO1 Defence Peror acy

(CONADE),

set after assassinaton or lelt wing eartol Luis Espinal in April. CONADE's activity was limited to organising the masses against the military for free and ian oemnanas were elections. Against this, the POR fought the armed the against Fascist temror. but sucn ucmanas made only very limited headway within CONADE. All the reformist and bour- geols parlie WelC ing the right wing

PRA

Walter Guevara. Eventually the capitulation

PS-1'S

CONADE s minimal aims lost li even its reputation of being on the left wing tion; even the MIR was further to ine lelt. I should say that, contrary to some report POR ințer-

CONADE

but formally joined it and. in fact when sign the programme. But here we are going too fast. The most important thing to recognise at this point was that electoralism of all the major political parties led directly the chaos of November 1979 that stage the central government-presided over by who had been elected Guevard SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday November 19, 1980 Unlike many previous military crackdowns on the har and poor peasants, the brutal regime of General Luis Garci July 1980 appears to have set itself the task of impos Chile-style defeat on the most basic organisations of the interview with an exiled member of the Bolivian Worke in Madrid examines the id political conditions that paved detailed political analysis put forward is not necessarily sha demobilised parliament-was highly actively unstable and threatened. on the workers-alla

IOSUIL

• was one hand by increasing mass complete lack of co-ordinatio mobilisation and, on the other, between the two sectors agains Gueiler's economic package "ne eventua conn neader _ nere wa by Natusch, i the p. act of des- backslipping an the cities the strike was restricted to th peration part of the armed colly sile replace thoroughly weak Nevertheless. November ha government, and the result was given us an example of how allainc migh worker-peasant @ lulls example

FOI

moorsaron or moe masses. Unciale Colquiri the POr was ault achieve a local alliance whic was firmly pledged to a prole arian programme November also demonstrate Can we look more closely wa Clear Nausea COul to defeat the golpistas (putsch , effects? It seems to have marked ists) is the mobilisation of th absolutely in an against the class Ilasovi treacherous politics of the tra struggle over this period and has union leadership-not overshadowed by the actions of parliament successful Garcia coup. The position of the COB wa a ne 100 very cical -ll relused al lite sta ordinary , declare an indefinite gener class and the peasantry, working strike. lion ad I it announced ti behind them which drew 'Democrati members many ur bal A nu-rasCIst Committee middle class. for The fought At this pomt me proletaria immediate strike call, based o broke from its diversion towards independent class positions; bi Clear from the continuation or politics all the lett turned a deat ear • when the CO Enis. It was on the general strike. headquarters itself was attacke The masses held the solution that they called the strike to the crisis in their hands. How.

The effect of this period o ever me leadersno entered nic the workers enormol in arach treacherous agreement with When the the anti-fasci setting Lechin [leader of the COB cerence communices • Wall called une sanke oli. tie mideas large response which derive and peasants rejected his call directly from the experience and continued. 'agree with the bourgeoisie wuda was ine result or me cris!

(and confirmed the immovable fidelity of the 'left' to bourgeois democracy) turned a potentially situation HIEl partial victory for the bourgeoi- this • view sie. tradition Trotskyism Bolivi it Natusch was simply replaced actio by a transitional regime (that of not Joint Ine will. betweet nose barter remained intact and the be Trotskyist in order t military's class definitively aim smash the build mobilisation de revolutionar was unaltered nev Commuel bourgeois prepare fou this illusions stress the very cracy.s. role played by the . But you have to importani • peasantry. ate Novem Det stand almost after the fall of Natusch the arouns at cam to be l peasants increased thei fact, compict revolub: and re-established road They followed the t for their produce. Meanwhile the COB had the reformist parties.

GROUND TO THE

SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday November 19, 1980.

ssed Bolivian working class za which came to power in a permanent and crushing rking class. The following evolutionary Party (POR way for such a coup. The by Socialist Press. Murdered by junta: Socialist Party leader Quiroga Vanguardia Comunista first tives was through the Revolu- became increasingly obvious joined FRI and then that Anti-Imperialist Front that Was wallid, as alllly

(FRA).

was DIUKe UD. Vanguardla bitin. commander led by Fileman Escobar, went to effectively in control. of supporting the November we had to fight to We the were verge of a UDP in the last election re-establish the FRA in order to time and there

OST

une Lilt oppressed Were numerous ace do Socialista de los Trabajadores, under leadership of the the same the reformists the time linked to the Party Commission) working class. and the left continued toined the tRi: but wher mobilise tor the elections.

alSO retired very Lechin trom the race existed

TWO

they were also forced to lend different possibilities and we their the popular . couldn't with confidence support to that or the would one other If we move forward somewhat

POR

When, Likewise Tine the months before walla s (Combate), the USFI's section. millary came Into enectve cad two distinct positions at the appears Again, having put all their faith control, the POR called for the complete abandonment of elec Lechin, totally same open oral politics, and the and expansionist, other the the Now, none of these groups masses aralns canoesume. emerged from fascism. ted towards underground work.

in the POR although the Pal terms of organisation alone The left' paid no attention.

We had to respond to that, even Tues ent as a resur or me o this appeals culus crisis. None posed an alternative impor- that a coup but, pernaps more we aromeo programme- tail-ended tant, it seems to reflect the lack was extremely likely either behind the PCB and PCBM-L of a decisive political analysis before ö° after the poll. More- Only the POR which repres- Yes. of course that's how it • weld to use te accora ents Trotskyism in Bolivia, con- appeared. But one must remem- campaign to show our position tinued the ber the very distinct condition: was right. away at that obtained in the spring and point that bourgeois democracy campaigned for a politically-motivated blank alla inal cal Ly Gueiler way the While orientate Ene regime vote walca not ony teoucated masses towards their own objec- nominally ruled the country it reformism but responded to the increasing degree of abstention- „ever ace the 1978 and 1979 elections time con- tinued build Coll mittees and called for a general The fact that the 'left' do with would have nothing to this meanl Inal. i concas November, July coup was The faced a disorganised and demobilised working class and peasalilly But this was not the only differ NO. were several differences. Natusch lacked internal and international Externally SUDDUlE. Ivalusel was completely isolated was also faced with international opposition--but he direct help the 11U1 Cone. Not just recognition but material and ideological sup- pull We now know of the impor- the Tance Argentinian 'advisors' and the paramilitary forces in the first days of co Natusch was not endeavour ing to establish a Pinochet-style Garcia had planned one from the very beginning his was retected in te ack of _confidence in the Junior Officers, rarely used who were lor important operations A entitle doreen nition. social conditions were The working class allu many areas there was no peasant resistance In the cities there was very control Darricauts lastea only two or inree days. In the mines the resistance was of an entirely different character- the workers had no choice bui to take up their arms and fight.

But in the towns the union leadership was effectively decap itated -the attack on the COB and the killing or capture of the leaders indicated the intentions of Garcia from the very start.

The of resis. organisation tance around the mining areas and the That ins engendere made ine opposition to the dictatorship Mass meeting of Bolivian miners essentially • proletarian in charac- calling for an end to the general strike. miners showed enormous neroism in acienome their workplaces and this, in the they end, meant smashca out were ault lo reuedi with some guarantees Nevertheless totally ate from in remain almost rest or me populalon against olensive the vanguard the proletariat was principal preoccupation

OUT

also Coresset Onel sections in their endeavour tion of opposition These included the Church the left and democratic partie the Assembl Permanent Their Salman accons were typical of fascists and the with which they •were undertaken was also highly char I myself was arrested as they She left dot thing adi hipro left, detaining and gating as many people as the the Department Political Order Das till of of Political political prisoners as were offices of the General Statt a Mirariores and mne Minsury the Interior. Ine wole orrensive seemed to be modelled on Pinochet's down to even use the staululll It was all carefully prepared, they had learnt the lessons of November. They knew exactis what to do and how to do it l cacao une mular ulse Lechin as their instru- men the masses Hoste television masses. broadcast calling off the strike was the culmination treacherous career; he is neutred as a political and union leader.

would expan later but this has been met with 'widespread scépticism and the worKer lave call WIll the utmost carity the reaction ary of e that the impan ha course, impact is no restricted to workers. The para- millary torces nave been assis ted by undercover agents who Page 7 the public tors of national corporations to rural senool leacners Anyone tions is being fired. The dicta- torship decided ha conse- owen waterer Ene quences. Faced with this situation left in this country ently elsewhere too, cals for of the Litt dictatorshit demands 'restoration of democracy'. At a meeting in London addressed by Domitila there banner saying figmong to a carly break i of Clearly the task of fighting . bourgeois democracy is far from completed. Neverthe ess still remains the most 'obvious' popular and the most demand. accessible poll -however fu tile history shown to be • for How, colonial cuties Condere

LEVIS.

• Marxists to fight against it?

Malia is What the forward risk run the always sounding repetitious in view of the social and political cost incurred in County left to learn this fundamental lesson, be restated- 1s absolutely no way • Ior ware tor the masses with bout geois democracy. None whatso- eveN hat we must fight for is the . maependence proletariat in the leadership of oppressed nation. This does don't fight for dete ocrane guarantees and nock ties -of course we must. Now for example, the junt: says the Constitution is i We 101ce Inus Monte Conted a sa tution against the army's whim -which is what is actually what actermine paramelen 'politics' At the same time we build up the economic defences of the working class Garcia l chea planning political economy devaluation and with foreign debt, Bolivia's Jack i lost all falls lo duction, the In1S will working class. Internationally, : clear that of Bolva be Ine uNA tively different from of the e a ne such as thos Imperialism will always fulfil historical denying its their ilbera boviesseu laliulls tion. 1nus the present conjunc ture , only is temporary Reagan victory would clear the path to recognition and suppor government

LOT

TaSCIST Bolivia. The revolutionary wist wa man al imperialist stance hen the under what- US conditions wanted alast a coup spring the POR maintained its independence and denounced both imperialism and the will figh we against both imperialism and dictatorship. do not take the sallli aramde towaros ine non-recor nition other nations, ' по rof recognise that it is Hullalli proletarian international sondar dictators hot ut at to the Bolivian dictatorship bụt Latin America and elsewhere will be overthrowt But such solidarity will only be constructed through the mobilisation of the working class In pursun or its own objec tivesh tres sutie rye arties Bolivia 3s se coup in more indicatior overweimine need to the reconstruction of the party of world revolution.

The politics of Socialist Organiser

CALIGULA : OBNOXIOUS VENTURE

Page 8 ›ear Comrade callor, I would like to take up some of the points you made in reply to Cde KW's letter in SP221 consider Inal

VOU

seriously "far Socialist Organiser the per- o principled map out minimum basis agreement for the formation of current within the a left wing Lavour rarly. Firstly, socialist Organiser's Where we Stand', statement issue of in each The s bands very del 1lnl being a 'minimum basis'. very clearly that It states "Our perspective must be work- class aculon labo capitalist system cown lo Is foundations. Tactics differ from Whie we may the comrades of SO on points emphasis, oi tactics pives us no right to distort their positions. Secondly, the SO statement nowhere insists or even suggests that the exclusive centre of struggle.

they make the contrary, orientation to the cleat inel trade unions and newiy developing movements women, gays, blacks etc and the ¡risa repuoncans They have also recently pub-

WHERE WE STAND

- Socialist Organiser "Organise the ett to back the Tories' attacks!

attacks union the picket line; rIonts. oerenO state interterence unions! any wage curbs

IVU

bour mUst struggles for better living stan- dards and conditions! Wage rises should at the very least keep up With The same should go benefits, grants Densions. Start improving the social than cutting Stop cutting jobs in the Elicil. public sellor Cut ene hours, not Jobs-share ine work intervention lished a very interesting broad- Their effective the Labour left wing into left an The development of this left sumices to refute your distor aone exambie

LAOSC

suffices to want to see a genuinely mass wing at tne same pomt in time socialist revolutionary move- as the beginnings of mass indus- tions trial action the Tories However, I think Cde KW is against They havè been able to bring possibility entirely correct to stress unal Dieselll Ical central for their views in front of very large major ponucal aavance In the precise of the Labour Party country-the possibility of an Trotskyists now overthrow of Tory membership govern- to approach the huge leit Other Trotskyists have been wing movement in the Labour ment and its replacement by a Party, and here the experience less successful in this direction workers' formed of the SO comrades is valuable.

and increasingly find themselves out of the Labour left

READERS

WRITE

We welcome letters on any topic- preferably less than In their words... of urgency. The capitalist police are an with no loss of pay. start now The black working people of with a 35 hour week and an end enemv the workine ciass Support all demands to weaken ATrica snould le vertic them as a bosses' striking force: All firms threatening closure support trom the british labou for their strikes, special should nationalised and armed combat struggles workers' control. (SPG. Special Branch. M15. etc/ white Make the bosses pay, not the public accountability, etc.

dudllis for abortion and contracep. regime. hos- ATrican cooo. working class. Milions tion on demand. Women's equal and services should be blacked.

oitais nota penny tor aerere It is essential to achieve the Nationalise right to work, and full equality the banks and fullest democracy in the labour financial without for women. compensation. End the interest movement. attacks on gays by Anomali rese ee tion of MPs during each parlia- the State: abolish all laws which ourden on council nousine anu and the election by other public services. discriminate acansa lesoians ane Freeze rents and rates. annual conterence organise leaders. Annual election of all immigration trade officials, who affirm their stance publicly controls. Mace is not a problem be paid the average for should acism is. The labour movement . ne lisn beooie- drive -should have the right to deter- mobilise the trade... own future. Get the fascists oft the streets or Terrorism help build a class-struggle left British troops out racists Trom Dos tOns wing in trade unions and in the labour movement. Organ- rrevention Labour Party, based on a revol- full support black self- ise Act Pontica status Tor

ITIST

Republican prisoners as a matter utionary soctarst platorm ••.

aerenice. This production manages the At first notice, a movie Reviewed by Stuart Sutherland acmevements about the rise and fall of both degrading everyone in it ignoring flagrantly Caligula Caesar starring Gielgud, Peter Mistorica di volta clay John . oi tne times lt seeks to portray O'Toole, Malcolm Scene upon scene of sexual McDowell and Helen Mirren activity followed or associa- with those most and with a screenplay based oi the

LOU

on an original by Gore Vidal barbarie violence The two are always intimate.

sounds very impressive. ly connected in this film. These might expect it tasica, used One only ever brilliantly acted, classical, and uunale. pander to the most look tne lorces working m • oDoressIve the Roman Empire to support and ree ions no teal tor des and eventually discard gets sustalll the Roman one

MOSL

unoleasalll Torces aL

WOIK

despots even those harsh Empire that Calmata anite ponderosa power times. might even have risen to The ending is as arbitrary as 11 Ine nelgar or anoter aucnol to film Robert Graves' fascina- is abrupt. Claudius" The key to the reason for worst it could have been an epic this mess lies that the other Bob its producer, of the "Ben-Hur variety Dursuil Unfortunately, even to emulate Hugh vuccione, worst expectations were Hefner's magazine Play boy' with his own tawdry version, exceeded The possibilities for such a development greater than at any time in the histori these possibilities that all serious socialists must their turn practice of attacking others for positions they do not even hold.

Placas Ernie Stubbins East London

EDITOR'S REPLY

My comments in reply to KW's initial letter were designed to draw out the marked distinc.

tion between the task we Socialis: Press-th ourselves elaboration of a full Trotskyis tion of a revolutionary Marxist Party -and • Sociais oriene different task set by "to help build class struggle left wing in the trade unions and Labour Party based socialist plat- o a vela form". (SO Sept 27) Comrade Stubbins does not need me to remind him not a revolutionary party; nor is it a substitute for a party And a glance this revolutionary • stated, basis of principled agreement" left wing movement. such it achieves what it means an adequate. programme for a revolutionary party.

Transitional demands It contains hardlv any of th demands the Trotskyist Programme In particular it omits the call for a scult wurts pace with intacon, It nownert calls for workers committees to to open demands or seek wass ing

INDOSE

redundantes" thus omitting the fight workers control of production and for a workers' plan for the deve ooment orme economy The Socialist Organiser plat- fails call for form and factories public sector lacines ureaten with closure; makes for public service demand spending to be protected against .anon e sy self-defence" racist squads perspective uniting that emerg against througt government building action. Thus which towards demands of dual oi organ: are • leit out arogelner power from the SO platform Indeed platform call for action to bring down vithout which its calo the firms threatening closure" to be "Penthouse'. Caligula' seems lo De an the screen attempt to bring to the sort oi world ina exist between the of these pages magazines Since the film's release Gore Sansel from the screenplay and several the actors want artistic (sic) association with the final version. Misunderstood Moreover, Guccione doesn't want reviewers to see ine m : feels they won't under- stand it. There is a suggestion that some particularly obnoxious inserted after the scenes principals had acted their parts anoen une brocucuon But once these scenes art removed there virtually nothing left of the film. British dualences SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday November 19, 1980.

SOCIALIST

ORGANISER

The issues at Labour Confereno Strike to Estop the cuts "nationalised under workers somewhat appear: forlorn-and little 111011 than devancel Party's own vague commitments to nationalisation It is therefore not inaccurat • describe militant, gener; demana the socialist Organiser platiorn as a basis for prin agreement" cipled wing current-as distinct tron an' elaboration or popularisation of the Trotskyist programme.

Impact This is equally true whether themselve: the demands the Labour Party o in the unions It was not my intention to that Socialist Organise better worse-directs Labour Party - though its impact has been far more e evident there than it has been in the unions on the fact that My stress the Labour Party-for all the changes that have taken place- arena rathe! the exclusive arena of the fight for socialist programme was in to the assertion by lace de leva comtade sw mais eterna "The central arena of the fight for a revolutionary pro- must now become the Labour Party" I pointed out that this is not position of Socialist Press building of a new leadership of leading Capable I Ical to "raze the capitalist struggle down to its founda- requires in our view the construclon

NOE

broad "class struggle left wing" the trade unions and Labour Pa the trate te buing lian the workers movemen orarevom tionary party, based on the full Trotskyisn in the conditions o While broader groupings ca therefore play a role in the struggle, the ke! issue for must remain the : qualitative one and training that Marxist equipped to fight the Labour and trade union bureaucracy.

Socialist seen by the WSL as an import- ant means of : working towards . It is some of the Lidt oprective er does not hold that are in our view central ! to the development party has been showing uncut for some time in Paris and the USA the version shown here will have cuts that will destroy whatever sense there was these foreign versions film did Just what sort of these stars think that they were to appear in? Didn't they read a screenplay? One can only conclude that money were palc large sums of secure services 'reputable stars to give credib ility to this noxious venture Only John Gielgud maintains a vestige of integrity. Early in the film, weary of death, intrigue and perversion he climbs into a hot bath witt his wrists slit in order to commit suicide Malcolm McDowell Caligula, asks him what it is like die, but gets no reply fron Gielgud rest of the movie is a sort of answer to this question.

Pacifist and superficial SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday November 19, 1980.

JOHN

LISTER

reviews the best-selling Penguin collection of articles on disarmament —Protest and Survive. Edited by E.P. Thompson and Dan Smith, the book costs £1.50. At every stage in this Penguin compilation of pacifist essays lies a contra- diction-one that is summed up in the feebleness of the title: Protest and Survive.

The contradiction is that the book ano •Convin- cingly sketches the scale of the dangers posed to our very exist- Wal of imperialism. Moves yet Is response to this is to look not

PROTEST

towards the revolutionary over- ards "protest" and pressure-in vain effort to pérsuade the

AND

imperanse icopard to change les spots! However well-intentioned they may be the book's panel of

SURVIVE

dutiors nave untierole set them- supporters the sever ane mae nost impossible task of al Of the Thatcher, Carte and Reagan governments in 1980 we

EDITED BY E.P.THOMPSON

the views of can on v echo Lenin in March 1917: To turn to this government

AND DAN SMITI

with a proposal ol concluding peace is equivalent to preaching keeper of a morality to the •Cruise Missiles brothel." •Nuclear War in Europ Conservative •Civil Defence • Soviet Armaments Lenin-in exile-laboured the point. He was arguing not only •US Military Plans against professional pacifists but luller-witted against the aviar, Militarism and and most conservative of would.

the Soviet State led by Stalin, Bolsheviks" who, •Britain's at the time busily putting Tuppenyworth false position Iorward "kor goal to thet that i- Miliukov that government quicky Concie able, a democratic and a bene- cent peace is identical with appeal of a good old Village military advantage over priest to the landowners and the

USSR

that they lead godly particular Dan Smith ir their neighbour love 'The European Nuclear Theatre' demolishes some of the mythol- of the NATO propagandists' And make the point statistics, and stresses that from unmistakeable Lenin declared une very outset it nas been te n April 1917 that USA that has set the pace of the nuclear build-up in Europe.

here must be an exposur of this inadmissable "demand'- -which can only sow 2-1 Superiority illusions-that this government, a capitalist government, should Working from Western cease : to be imperialistic. military sources, he shows that Protest Survive, like 11,000 out nuclear War' of the Ther Headers heads now in Europe oniv 3.500 revived Campaign for • Warsaw deployed by are the Nuclear Disarmament, serves to Pact, against 7,500 under NATO this same inadmiss (US) veloclualt command. licW able demand. Cruise and It calls for protest action to Pershing 2 missiles, he states: the persuade capitalist govern- 'NATO was not forced into of Britain and the USA decision the Warsaw the Enat They should cease to be Pact; it moved into it of its own imperialistic" volton ..• Al one ame NAlU But of course the Thatcher, was happy not to have this new Carter and Reagan leaderships capability, Now it wants it. The are in no way equivalent to the Comance Nuclear unstable Guchkov-Miliukov Weapons on the Warsaw Pact Provisional Government that side are today much the same as lau occi sweDL Dowel following the February 1917 but rather more modern. But Revolution in Russia. the nationalised Derween with NATO are dealing not The US and British imperial- property relations-the revolu- with Verons ol lonary gains of the internation- same weapons, The but with a anti-communism their are Taced the prin the us the as against working totally new morals NATO decision not reactionary politics at home and defended nuclear decision bears a abroad, and their dedication to burden bar aculd O1 reSPOnSD•

LEC

prese valion Puivale protecting anto dangers we now

TOT

profit by any means available.

exploitaton unal are delended face." (p.113) by the growing nuclear arsenals Smith • avoids the more of the ATO imperialists. More inadmissable brazen attempts of some of the Hallu. ocquals sign s place oiner approach heads its The demand that these adherents completely away generally termed from governments should cease to be any possibility of under- Too. Talks anything- basis of imperiale 18-T sance me material recognise More inadmissable the present war drive. between two main nations than false as the famous position the saying in controntation from Clausewitz points out.

"old Bolsheviks" attacked ov Lenin in 1917! the continuation of Abstract itions the deadly pas ti politics by other means. The aggressive nuclear build.

DOSILIOLS

dulliors Pacificism, abstract The TaCT u ov me NAry allance to no which they themselves place approach characteristic of the arbitrary whim on the before Much of the mos sections of the a handful of crazed Pentagon or us. hard Whitehall generals. evidence the middle class, thus emerges as a ai civics contained in Protest and Survive Its roots lie in the struggle . aversion m ene present by struggle against war restore and DrOve Devone count 1021 1 increase the this fits. the imperialists who are engaged On the one hand, the pacifist in a deliberate escalation of the approach To they need to fails distinguish increase the exploitation of the workers and peasants world. They cannot do so with- encountering herce resist- ance. This is why the employers need tọ crush liberation struggles in the underdeveloped other- counties. which might wise topple dictatorial and milit- regimes and overthrow domination finance capital. As they face up to this grow- ing economic and political crisis the imperialist leaders look with increasing anger and frustration at the huge Eastern aiva. Europe. the Soviet Union and Asia in which-along with Cuba -capitalist exploitation been overturned. Not only do such countries represent potentially vast markets and pools of able labour power, but they also represent a political challenge.

It is the deformed and Fluck degenerated workers' states that the leaderships of anti-imperial.

struggles look for material and political support general imperialists In tne have learned in decades of that experience the Stalinist vulcauclacit. betray such strugges But the imperialists know also that, in I seeking to preserve stable political balance toreer on a • world scale, Kremlin leaders are quite capable, on occasion, of provid- crucial assistance which-a in the case of Cuban troops in the Angolan 1 civil war- -can help turn the tide against imperial ism. Reinforce control The drive to reinforce imper- ialist conto. ove. «neo countries is therefore co onia integrally linked to a drive to militarily strengthen imperialism Page 9 itself in relation to the workers' states. Carter, Reagan and Thatcher long TeStOTE une swanor where imperialism enjoyed unquestioned nuclear superior- over die workers states were they to achieve sucn a position they would exploit force home Icnewcu allacks on une masses …ol ine worid This explains the significant change of strategy that has taken place this vear Preparations are being made for "limited" nuclear between

NATO

and the workers stales • ror us reason the US imperialists have begun installing new range "counteriorce weapons weapons-including hese Thatcher's £5 billion • Trident submarines. the aurope. suv manne oaeo ac aircraft launched Cruise missiles and the giant system in the USA -are designed oner us cenerals une cnanc to unch r strike ame at wiping out the Soviet Union's missiles The USA is not only • tech- nology, but also forcing the and preparing pace in . installing Ana uni Thatcher government is eagerly backing each aggressive move.

Facts and figures But while Protest and Survive offers us an impressiv that ol lacts ano ligures confirm this analysis while it the paper-thin pretexts the used by excuse their war-plans; while it spells out the grisly fate that us if avails these plans are not fails lamentabl nal leu offer the slightest perspective for that might in reality o1 nuclea Wa This danger is rooted not existence of "two super in the : in the continued Dowers existence of capitalism, less, expansionist sy stell exploitation The danger cannot be over- come pleas to Thatcher and Reagan to scrap their the dangerous call on Kremlin leadership to renounce the military that are defend livassil delorea workers states agalns!

imperialist attack. The danger can only be over- come rouen che moonsalon of the working class in Britain in the USA and throughout the capitalist countries internation • 10. overthrow of capitalism and the various governments which defend capitalist exploitation.

Blacking In Britain this means the fight the labour movement • the blacking of all work on 101 weapons and missile sites, linked to the mobilisation of mass action to bring dow government and Ine natcher remove those Labourites com- mitted to the defence of British imperialism. means which workers governmen alone can bring a forcible end to capitalist exploitation Protest and Survive, though well worth reading. takes as tar as a partial glimps

ULL

of the problem: for a grasp of the solutions, a revolutionary party is needed Over one hundred thousan people on the October 26 anti- demonstration showed nukes had reached a least en co-thinkers: Thatcher is be halted

MOVIN

The ner of these forces • need founder standing of the class end the threat of war. Keau une book. in the fight for socialism!

"MILITANT' TAKES OVER

CPSA BROAD LEFT

Page 10

INDUSTRIAL NEWS

•Last weekend's annual CPSA Broad Left confer- ence in Leeds was always going to be a crucial test of the ability of the left within the union to draw out the On the key

CPSA

members, lessons of this year's elec- the cuts and victimisations, the toral disaster and ot the Oll y conerent Brixton dole office dispute.

Militant porters of the event, the two-day meeting, attended by over 220 spearheaded by Ox ands tare Mclennan-both aCLViss. was a trustanng mix- ture naked electoral man- whom failed to oeuvring and frantic

NEC

slate political the debate

NEC

last Militant group, with a ConsIstent y phalanx about Tribunit, mounis Pary hei So ld supporters, won virtuálly every Tribunite majority record in power). significant vote and emerged accisivery al ne nea ol te The Broad Left in CPSA, scarcely Ody needing armadated me gne mace ns getting) formulated ne support of the Communist Thatcher's public rariv lacton Militant's leading left-talker incomes policy announcement.

Kevin Roddy be Broad spective-free Lelt canulaate lol Ene union Militant presidency next year, and the Was whole Militant slate form much nenter the bulk of National Executive canuluales.

DON'T GO INTO

THE FIGHT BLINDFOLD!

SOCIALIST

GET

PRESS

lead in the struggle against wage control, cuts and redundancies

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Trial sub (UK): Six issues. Six months One year Europe. Six months Rest of the Workd: Six months.. Please send me trial sub/six monthe/one year of Socialist Press. I enclose ..

Name. Address Send to: WSL, BM Box 5277, London WCIN 3XX issues facing London Broad Left fell by the such wayside. as pay. resolution from the opposition Oxford Broad Left calling for a was provided by sliding scale of wages linked to sup- inflation as assessed by elected Socialist Caucus, Steve Corbish- committees of civil service trade unionists was passed-but as Ted Eames stressed in moving it, the (Corbishley important thing is to actually do Was y cal anu sulcul avout Il the waits with аттаскес SOCIOlSI press interest Pay CC if the CPSA's Special Policy conference January is bombarded with resolutions from siding-scale debate revolved branches with Broad Left leaderships. sector campaign is crucial such a now more than ever if the Pay Unit Research which Thatcher resolution has jettisoned is to be replaced with a positive alternative duvieu anu motion from furthe example of the time-honoured division betweet Lose wao siano lora onmcmer fight in action and those who hope that the politics simply will somehow magically filter through without a struggle came debate on immigration In ine law the Oxford group proposed a motion calling for a unior Inoulry

TATO

mne oe OuSA members thi Mement tice actually implement laws. bliz dll ana turtel Broad Left demandea that any dominated NEC organise black. ing of all such work 1 ne vimant orered to suD port it if the latter clause were For a clear With thousand workers streets taking policies there is plainly no to oppose lack of militancy organised working class. .£2 Yer the existing trade bureaucrats and -whether £8.00 perspective right Labour {14.00 prepared uer offer so cial sebor, s and deman dards, cratic rights. jobs to light £9.00 through cen only be defended from Dolicies independent working class, hich £10.00 othing to interests national hich, gain and lose class the profitability of their 'rom has everything employing class. artempts In a period where the restore dictions own. alist syst the contra. closure force the wholesale anarchic productive destruction Only forces society, socialist planned TR changed to "aims to organise periphery blacking" Pointing Left Immeulate pignt or immigrants Milltant such as Anwar Ditta and acknowledge those hauled during police in alone consider Whole factories. Marie cussions, was indefensible.

laus vll Campbell correctly refused to ally the resolution duly was deteated point Anoine controversy was reached in the that debate on resolutions calling for CPSA to merge putting up union- -the Brixton manacement. mem ber Society Civil and Public lor ure union bresidencv Servants. Ignoring the clear example a crucia

NALGO,

Communist Party activists. The fight and Militant sucakes Diatallı, alguea tnal such a merger would be good thing because se id Would mean that the! link witn une various lers Dared [or the stepping up •n tne sirs executive They spared no thought ition of new technology all for the rant and file CPSA being asked to join forces will tnose layers responsible 101 pushing through cuts and they feel they can get away asl cill bills 1U1 with it. calve. VattaRu ausc plocked straightforward common-sense leadership. motion calling for an approac!

Thomas and the SWP's "Redder Tape" links are working CoNoie TO1 Closet i electoral and policy campaigns.

Never can there havê been a UlIOl clearer or more damaging case of sectarian blindness meetins an all-out The

SWP

sectarian have much toI alsal maltas qe members anc urge Socialist Caucus

THE

by the aconomy the à way forward. on a world scale offers Tory To achieve such a perspec live which, in today's struggles fights leadership the advance We Socialist trade needea union workers dosim caan de albali ed througt details of the union leaders militancy left'-have beyond socialism protest abolished through those The League Workers stan. ment righring Trotskyist out to build Socialist leadership in and das • OI in Britain. : a principled the working class start League. Internationally Name affiliated to Trotskyist International Committee, e newly-formed Address reconstruction which fights for the International Liaison revolutionary parties in every country Duiding the ino raisom against parasitic cracies in ugg/e Stalinist Send deformed the 5277, London WC1N 3XX to

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and SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday November 19, 1980.

TON

CPSA leader Thomas (left) with NUPE leader Fisher outside the Broad on the spot over the coming but the refusal of a series Any political tendency even with inelr existence le base in CPSA has a very joint dis- real poțential achieving anv major gains s in the current situa tion. But it the Mintant contin.

e ChA ranke ando utie thei Ludicrous stunt the CPSA and learn important lessons In electoral terms this means bankruptey Mutant will simply auaptanon to rerormism ahead with their ludicrous stunt One reason for • the - Dustin thei of last year's 'left' NEC allure to give any real lead o lorudd action against cuts and in sur be a comca pne for SoiA port of members victimised fo one for. Preparation mus begin now On bay will for govern- the Special Par The concel ment knows that only too wel in January and for strike action make whatever! policy struggle is sold out then the way will be pre- results from that meeting stick even more cuts and of the impos-

MERSEYSIDE

mualld cillell zowa moe aor cav r on union activists

FACTORY CLOSURES

and Thatcher is preparing fo major onslaught on the facilities Fisher Bendix Leyland Dunlop Meccano Why campaigas nore lost de deseye. thet prequetion ens present "hor they can bo the WOn moderate puppets or the Ne overtime as a fifth column for Thatcher within the New pamphlet by the the W$L out- NW Areg of CPSA mem bers must take up lining the policies needed to campaign to expose halt the defeats of previous this treachery and fight for the occupations and turn back lett o oner a concrent alterna the attacks of the tiv ithin the PSA Broad Left employers. members to build the Price 27p including Militant will be very much postage from WSL, BM Box 5277, London

WC1N 3XX

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SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday November 19, 1980.

CPSA militant sacked

CPSA

ON THE eve of the campaign meenino Broad Left Conference in Leeds, summarily dismissed at 4.30 pm been called for this Thursday stepped their November, leaving Broad on Friday of victimisa- . Committee no une lo cat a unon mecurs.

Lynn Lynn, a non-angnea broad Hutchins-secretary of the Civil Left member and fight (somethin signally and Failed to do over Brixton chair- for women's rights, ddresse The objective immediate person of the London Area No.

the Broad Left conference and resolution the Civil Engineers s committee. Lust dil out sunke Lynn Hutchin's 'crime' was passed demanding all-out Branch, with support from the o refuse a management order to campaign for her reinstatement NUJ members o to another office to help eas who Share the 2n0OT the work-load caused by recent against all the current victimis saune workplace. cuts. of which are still ations (many She correctv refused cented DUlC work share in acordance with Office). Flop for import controls demo

NUHKW

Harry The audience didn't agree, The Hosiery Union's plan secretary, Gibson, making clear where ne fight against to duck the stood, thanked the local bosses, speech went largely unheard.

redundancies and closures in have 5,000 of Despite this setback for who put the the industry by diverting 'import members out of work) for their controls lobby there 1s workers into a 'Buy British' little sondarity () and was prompl- ouer unon ly followed by a woman hosiery leaders, eager to duck out of a got campaign oit to worker who wanted to fight on jobs, will be tempted to extremely mixed reception and jum on the e e da to when Britain was great on November ended with a rendition of 'land decenten шлететоте vita of Hope and Glory'. rank and file militants take up 12. every one of the But even this sort of grovell- arguments put Official union forecasts over forward. whether Local racio a ase right, Intons. turn-out proved to be badly out John Farr Tory controls now shop greet import of touch™ with the mood of the floor level with enthusiasm. about 2.000 mem dersaD wnen he rose to speak ne wiat is necessarv now is une turned out for this employer- was greeted with a torrent of development of a layer of class sponsored "import controls' fairly graphic fighters who begin to win oos, catcalls and can all Doite how he might surgesilulls as despite a massive spena tne rest of mis day.

campaign in the local press begins not from the interests of support of the chairman Leicester's preserving ailing "'British' capital- by employers who Mayoı, struggled to get a demo- takes vica eave ame ou to workers on lul cale nealing lot ral s specta starune vomnt me maesencent pay encourage inem interests of the working class.

ane andet and . string of buses imperialism arguing which ferried in workers from wasn't a political meeting

ASLEF: ALL OUT

Notan v ansent were me vast majority of thousands of workers who make up the Asian Dulk o mne nosery workiorce In the rast Midlands. Clearly the shop floor convinced workers were not as

DECEMBER 1

the generosity and good inten- tions of their bosses including Courtaulds Coates Patons and multi-nationals] who carrying coul closures. contributing factor to the Further indications of Cross in the near future however, The impact of the economic low attendance the way which British Ilustr 1n crisis the determined auso nave Deen Railways Board intend to Hallac • campaign carried out by the left peanning o De en especialy honour the Tory govern- factories in the at rail depots closely tied to the out the ment's new cash limits are steel industry. beforehand, spelling case against import controls.

emerging almost on a daily the next vear. nearv On the demonstration itself, all marshalling yards, where basis. fought freight trains are made up, will hosiery union officials examples; on take two desperarev to suporess au rele- oc ciuscu. the Southern Region no less ence to politics in the interests than 140 stations to close of their shabby alliance with the alc threatening hundreds of workers caried by the Stratford branch of the with reduncancier It as seema Tolincal Danners were likely they trans- ASLEF, in lawed, and the SWP's 'Right to ferred to other depots London, Work' protest found itself desperate the Region, removed from the main body of basicil Was leaked managemeni document speecnes Irom reoresentatives o1 one-third the other depots in the London revea s off. suburban electric services on the area. The only organised opposi- "Great Northern' Also present at the meeting tion the march was, axeu. ara ioruv workers tace tne was a member weorge davie result. the content nad prospett of redundancy at Kings whose contribution consisted of behind the local Trades Council's Cuts and Unemploy- which ment Committee banner,

WSL

New Ambassadors elcester Hotel Labour MP Jim Marshall. Upper Woburn Place Slogans London WC! 6th Anniversary They took up the slogans which had been proposed in the Jeanet asenouted by suoporlers of Woman Worker women's of the Workers Socialist and countered eague Six years of the

RALLY

official 'Buy British' theme with Workers Socialist rignt unemployment-kick te League Tories out'; 'Don't share the -share the work on full poverty Speakers from pay: Uccupy, open the books Socialist Press -stop and the CUTS In 1oos

SATURDAY 6

slogans against the use of import Woman Worker DECEMBER 2.30 p.m. controls. Red Youth Desolte Treouent ponce harassment this political inter- and the Trotskyist Tickets £1.50 (£1.00 vention clearly had an impact International Liaison outside London in une marchels. Committee advance), unwaged 50p apparent at the end-of- MOSt march rally. begin with there was New films on Ireland, El Salvador sporadic heckling of even the nostery union speakers Seamen fight sell-out The decision by 13-3 of the National Union of Sea- men's executive to allow fly a "flag Cunard to of convenience" the on Cunard Princess' and thus of union operate outside wage rates has been con- demned by seamen all over the country. The Cardiff branch of the NUS has passed a motion call- ing on the who votea Ior ine acal to resign meeting of the London membership has passed a resolu- willy. leaders succecaca in snatching defeat from the gaWs victory". The leadership accepted this sell-out at a time of tremendous national and It is pretty clear that avoid the employers have offered less than 10%. After months of specula- tion and a couple of trial runs, the Lucas corporation has begun a major attack on jobs at CAV, Acton. Figures given to a shop stew- meeting aros include mne following the electrical business demanding the employer cut of at least 60 direct workers 116 indirect workers and 70 staff. bemoaning the "ignorance" of footplate staff their reluc- lanict to take any allion, cilme May 14 as confirmation of his It was pointed out at the meeting that the responsiblit to defend jobs and conditions on the footplate rested squarel on the shoulders of the EC were attacked by one speaker for not mounting a "full blooded campaign" includ- meetings to build for mas: strike action kav kuckton (renera secre ASLEF, let it be remem- and at this year's that favour of strike action to defend the industry , Buckton Privatelv. however has fellow stated members, that ther is no chance of getting that action because "the And he has done noerese to aren t mieresteu interest them in such a policy!

The Stratford meeting closed with a resolution. passed unan imously, urging the EC to call a national strike on December. A one-day stoppage is totally ment and the Tories-bu gives the members a chance to Despite reservations there- op Sattord call and sentina Kings Cross ASLEF took smal resolution demanding strike action on December 1.

ASLEF branches must pass a resolution supporting.

OUT

also, that make December 1 the start of a cam- including further. all-out, paign industrial action to defend jobs anu conduons. from back page After a strong speech striKe action, only seven voted against out of 4,500 present Many other plants emulatec their previous votes where the vote switched from strike acceptance was malor plant to change it: position. As we go to press, every thing now tests on Longoridge, where stewards meeting and delay the meeting until Tuesday of this week.

Friday morning it but on became clear that there was a cancer or a maor denaval Party- The Communist controlled works committee recommended to

MIUD

sicwalu

CO.O

offer be accepted. They were however voted down who stewards decided strike

LOURICI

to ine mass mecling on Tuesday. Top level Clearly what is involved is a decision of the Com. Lo level munist farty to Join witn the right wing and attempt to sabo.

CAV jobs threat *Parts and Service workers are to be hit with a call for at least 50 staff and 16 manual "logetner wiin ouner par of the business, something like jobs are threatened across the site In addition to this there wil an entorced two-week shut- down at Christmas and manual be on workers will loul ad) week in sanuary. bulik • otte erectrica ausiness will go on a three-day week in February the first stage the com- asking lor volunteers where they want to get rid of people. Those who tempica to lake me money and should first ask themselves run next job is coming where the ITOm crisis bites deeper As the cutting back or closing major Recent, loca employers such as

AEC

BL's Park Royal and Fire- plant at stones navi cluseu thousands out of Work Even the government's own indicate that figures unemploy- menT will soon De only fool would willingly join them. The work should be shared ane the workers shoule recerve full pay whether that comes from the company government. All this should be Tne control oI une saol stewards and not the manage-

WORKERS SOCIALIST

LEAGUE

Christmas Bazaar Cowley Community Centre, Oxford

SATURDAY 29

NOVEMBER

12 noon to 4 p.m. Cakes - Gifts - Books Bottles Raffle - Games Jumble Plants Refreshments You name it, we've got it! Donations and assist- ance welcome. Page 11

LEYLAND

tage the strike movement at its Last Saturday's Daily Mirror summed up the situation will time officials will b working overtime this weekend prevent the strike taking place They should perhap have said ful time officias and th Communist Party. (Monday's) Financial Times speculates that contenol Adams will put the position o the CP and not that of the sho tomorrow's mass meeting Duffy at the • time ha piled more on meeting with

COUDIK

• salement. urging AUEW members to con- working whatever the and declaring majority vote, Lita l wilaleve. would not make a strike official Tonight, therefore, ,Thatcher waits to know if she will face ar If Adams does put the works committee policy and obtain for of thi o.o7o sne coula de sparea a con frontation which her government may not survive.

Kennance аттест

NOT

those that go but also only that stay. and those As job: cul. forced to impose speed-up and increased flexibilit • order to the maintain i produc- Ine case companies like Ford and BL must adopt the Sections policy of not covering tor thos and must avoid doing five days work in three or four of the Despite the gravity situation, the stewards seem to have had little, if any, discussion of the : policies needed to save the Jobs The JSSC must be a fighting body not just a channel through pass managemen information to their employees.

Links must be made between the manual and I staff unions in

LINKS

with the unions in other Lucas such the Girling plants Factory which is due to close with

JOSS OI YU

jobs least section has voted not to to adopt a no cover cles and policy. This example must be taken up on the shop floor anc Any section taking action must evest otht the ker on the site.

the full support Miners must say 'no' Miners on 26/27 Novem- ber are to be balloted on their 13% offer. The NUM Executive have voted 14-11 to recommend acceptance. out" ish Areent Sargil and by Arthur Scargill and Mick McGahey- -although Scargill's main proposal was that „änæen c von approach the government for am convinced money 11 we had done so there woul been much more money nave available." The miners not only face a cut in the value of thei wages but a large number closures. To strengthen the government an o de de venen Miners should vote 'no' and prepare te he ao o tente government more but to bring it down!

Hunger strike: force labour leaders to act!

BL PAY FIGHT HANGS ON

PRESS

SIKIT

Derry, Irish ottice where an estimated 10,000 people took part in protest strike action ana a demonstrator last vvourics day. 3/ workplaces were invorvea.

A turn-out of only 2,000 people last Saturday's national demonstration call- attract a degree of support from ing for a British withdrawal humanitarian and liberal forces from Ireland underlined yet it was Saturday's march. the Called the scale of again the political task to be contron- ineras the demonstagon asc ted in the fight for solidar- took place in the third week of ity with the Irish people.

strike to the a nunger Conspicuously absent from seven republican prisoners in the 'H' union Blocks oT Ine march trade unior anu Roberts During officials. and Soley were announced that Ine onl who turned out. Labout ican prisoners in Armagn daol support the either remaindel the alongside occupation ol the multary land or couldn't be bothered to men. oppose it five demands If ever there was an occasion effectively when the struggle against imper- oppression reano special calegory status as pontin prisoners. mignt nave been expected to Hawley: he rules struggle for living standards out of order i

SOCIALIST

status was granted to republican the Heath govern- oisones Dy ment following and organised with hunger strike protest-but was Young the Labour govern the removed ment in 1976. British Since then : death by the press and the government, have screws means at their disposal to crust Long AeSI the resistance TeDublical Long week was have refused do prison work women repub- to clothing wedl hunger strike they correcuy protest of the to brand them _as Conmon criminals. women at Armagh The prisoners are fighting for protest which would joined 'dirty? CEnt them February of this year. restore The hunger prompted Special category desperate

MOVE

Cowley workers reject sell-out "Both parties acknow- ledge unique respon- sibility for the success and competitiveness of the sole major British car manufac- :. On this basis the TEller National Officials Union recommend that the strike for Tuesday '11 planned November will not now go ahead." This highly significant state- Secretaries of various unions they had Michael after met Wednesday cowarde November to discuss the 42,000 21,000 decision by against Edwardes' 6.8% offer. They never much considered the £17.21 claim by They • to honour the com- cernet only mitment which The nave nae since the days of Ryder to the management

SUCCESS

strategy. General secretan. meeting with н сшатов followed the Published by Folrose Ltd for the Workers Socialist League, BM Box 5277, London WCIN 3XX. Printed by Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office. Signed articles do not necessarily represent the views of the Workers Socialist League London WCIN 3XX the abject failure of the British labour movement to fight along- their Charter 80 signatures side the Irish working class for sufficient an end to British military rule in conscience. the six countes strikers starve That he have given an added them mobilised Charter 80, from their lease Saturday's march. grouping set up to champion he five demands of the prisoners "on a humanitarian basis" ity is now urgent. Charter 80 has thered the handful weak-could The Labour some wel known union leaders. Daly list of my ningdes sinatures.

Lawrence and Mick trade McGahey

(NUM),

Ron Todi Bob Wrighi ano (AUEW) are some of the more list- resolutions in surprising names strikers' once me mave evil lifted a finger in solidarity with the Irish people.

LONGBRIDGE

Plant convenors few days earlier to break their fight : for maluale all cute pursue the full claim days of fruitless negotiations on spurious wher The "bonus" scheme offer-f1.2: surprise therefore I Was the JNC, that having already weeKs this over- by whelmingly accepted the advice final or the General secretaries agreed to recall the convenors Friday He pointed conference

TOT

INC

represented November 8 they recommended 1nere. that the strike be called off

TOI

compele favour of two more days of talk decision the 42,000 bonus- -scheduled

TOI

10-11 action. November. At the convenors conference and the to favour of there opposition 6.8% wnal was cically a toldi capitul ation to Edwardes. On Monday November 10 Wednesday JNC members were the bonus before the start of 250 talks, a meeting ShOt stewards from the TGWU and the

AUEW

Cowley offer. failed chair Assembly Plant adopted. almost expressed their bitterness and actions of the JNC the anger at the Bu and thin this mandate behind achieved. mandalt them, the Cowley Assembly , Morning Litho Printers, (TU), London Special Fund Well, November 15 came and went but we did not reach our target of the first £1,000 in our £1500 Special Fund.

In fact we fell short by £261.25, leaving us with a huge task ahead of us it we are to complete this tund as intended by the WSL 6th Anniversary Rally on 6 December.

We are asking all readers and supporters of Socialist Press to consider giving a day's pay to help us maintain the work of the paper in this crucial period of emerging struggle against the Tory government Send a donation to: Socialist Press Fund, BM Box 5277 But they now plainly regard and to fight for such policies at national regional their level. There is no groundswell of while hunger liberal sentiment that will shift to death: none of contingents Tine organisations fight by • opposition stance The need for active solidar Ine nungel sity of the British labour move dangerously ment going beyond its present dead anti-Tory militancy adop Ton i of solidarity

BOSIUOR

• will t Irish people. ment will not be budged by d *Suppor the hunger union and strikers: Political status now labour movement body must be Allow Out 110U people called upon to pass emergency to detent support of the their own political future!

demands. *For movement action to modulse tuly lot wie wecell suluality Will ber 7 national demonstration, Irish people! started anew Assemhlv Plant resolution it was action to agreed to put the recommenda- tion to recall mass meetings of 001s talks pro members ramer lan duced no more than the origina over had been their neads as -GWU Waranteed for originally intended The first mass meetines held Bob Conveil Fryer bitterly opposed the move on Thursdav followed a simia the right wing to recommend pattern to the original votes.

settlement on Edwardes Unanimous out that the only minority view and therefore was Workers at Jaguar and Rover SD1 voted LaKE Unt and Drews Lane voted for strike which ran contrary to votes for strike action. Plant Cowley Assembly He was overruled by Hawley, stewards. meeting on hursdas morning cecicer acceptance of the to members and acto the membership members to endorse the motion At the convenors conferenci November or no conndence in the sNu and barred from for conference to elect a new speaking, allowing Hawley a free Friday morning the accentance Challenges the 11.000 workers in the Cower this complex voted overwhelmingly nange the JNC recommenda- , reject tion and for strike action.

ne convenors voted l to Plant the recommendation. important point was vote was stronger than the first Cont'd p.11, col. 5 Due to the pressure of thi