[not one for the political parties of the…]

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not one for the political parties of the bourgeois system, it ts the active, class-conscious minority of the proletariat and its revolutionary vanguard. Hence the communists have no reason, citner in their ideology or in their organisation, to hide themselves behind the trade unions. They do not mis use the trade unions for machinations behind the scene. They do not in any way dispute the independent development of the trade unions, and support them in actio in every respect. But at the same time the Communist party reserve the right of expressing its opinion on all questions, including the trade union question, to criticise trade union tactics, and to make definite proposals to the trade unions, which for their part, are at liberty to accept or reject thes proposals. The party strives to we the confidence of the working class, above all, of that section orgunised in the trade unions. (Marxism and the T.U.s p25)

The task therefore is a qualite ive one of winning and training the best and strongest layers of the class in the method of scientific Marxism. In the coming struggles this qualitative preparation is the only way revolutionary leadership can be prepared. To build such a leadership it is vital to understand that the working class depends on the class conscious minority within the revolutionary movement. It is this understanding which is one of great strengths of the Workers Socialist League.

The 600 striking toolmakers at British Leyland's Castle Bromwich Plant decided at their last meeting (by an overwhelming majority) to continu their strike. This decision was taken despite an instruction by the AUEW National Executive for the men to return to work immediately.

The strike, now in its fourth week has resulted in 15,000 other mer. at Leyland's plants in Coventry an Longbridge being laid off.

The men who began their strike on 14th February are claiming an increase of £12.65 per week, and argue that their differential over production workers has been eroded.

During the events that led to the decision to strike the company were very reluctant even to negotiate with the toolmakers. This is despite a previous agreement to allot the three months before the implementation date for the increase to negotiations. This is highligited hy the fact that the toolmakers had to give notice of impending sanctions to even get negotiations under way.

As the date for implementation (Feb 9th) drew closer, and so settlement was in sight, the toolmakers stated their intention to strike from that day.

The company in the first instance offered an increase of £4.50, which was raised to £5.25 at a further meet ing, a final offer that was completely unacceptable to the toolmakers. TACKS STRIKE