Workers Socialist League

Socialist Press, Trotskyism Today and the Trotskyist International Liaison Committee, 1975–1984

Oppose Cuts

Socialist Press no. 40, 11 August 1976 · scan p. 4 · Dennis Healey · about 461 words

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The Workers Socialist League will give conference.

At the second meeting of the Organising Committee of the Campaign for Democracy in the Labour Movement, an indication of the broadening response which the campaign ¡has gained was the diversity of trade unions from which members have come forward.

Members of 'the T&GWU, GMWU, UPW, NUPE, SOGAT, NUT, ASTMS, TASS, NUR, NUJ, COHSE and ACTSS were in ¡ attendance.

A discussion on the proposed conference resolution was opened with a reference to the statement previous week's NEDC meeting, that the Labour Government were planning a further four years of wage control.

It was the imposition of wage cutting from above, which required continual policing of the trade union membership that. was the basis of the Labour and union leaders' increased attack on democratic procedures whenever a voice was raised in opposition.

STATEMENT

It was emphasised that a fight back against the TUC and Labour government betrayals had to be linked to demands which mobilised sections of workers, such as the sliding scale to defend wages, as outlined in the initial conference •statement.

Following several proposals, it was agreed that the references to bureaucratic actions within the Labour Party should be extended to include additional material.

CIRCULATED

Copies of the statement are now being. circulated to trade union branches, shop steward committees, Labour Party wards and GMC's. Strongly represented on the enlarged Though the aim is for the conference to be based on delegates from these bodies (credentials 50p) all bona fide trade unionists are invited, with supporting organisations being asked to submit additional proposals, amendments and alterations to the main resolution.

The Labour movement press and political groups are also being asked to support.

There has been an enthusiastic response to the campaign so far, and it was reported that arrangements • were already being committee are leading members from the made for a large delegation of T&GWU members from the Export Packing Services factory in Banbury.

Campaign Secretary Kevin Lee, a SOGAT FOC emphasised that though the Workers Socialist League had provided significant support for the campaign and were organising national meetings as part of this, the conference was open to all those prepared to support the basic demands in defence of wages and trade union and Labour Party democracy. "disaffiliated Oxford Trades Counci Details of the conference (subject to confirmation) are for it to be held on Sunday October 24th at Digbeth Hall, Birmingham with morning and afternoon sessions beginning at 10 am and ending at 4.30 pm.

further meeting of the Organising Committee is planned for Saturday September 4th in Birmingham. All those interested in attending should contact Kevin Lee, 44, Devonshire Road, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham 20, from whom further details and delegates credentials are also available.

← Contents of Socialist Press no. 40, 11 August 1976