Fight Against _ochou"

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Management have imposed lock-out and used scab labour, police and dogs in their fight against 27 ASTMS members in the Computer Department at Smiths Industries in North London.

On top of the onslaught from management they face sabotage from their own union officials.

While APEX members within the plant are imposing a 'black" in support of the ASTMS members locked-out by management, and shop stewards at Heathrow Airport have undertaken not to handle the factory's products (mainly speedometers and tachometers for motor vehicles), ASTMS officials last weekend refused to give official backing or even to permit other ASTMS members in the plant to support the struggle by a "black"

BLATANT

This is despite the fact that the struggle results from a blatant management attack on basic trade union rights.

After refusing to honour a verbal agreement, on manning levels, local management took the offensive in defiance of a written agreement for Jenkins a closed shop, sending in non-union members to load tapes on the computer.

ASTMS members responded with a go slow. After a week Smith responded with a lock-out.

Dismissal notices were mailed at the weekend and ASTMS members arriving for work on Monday 16th August found they had been DOGS When, nonetheless, they occupied the computer installation, they were driven out by police backed with dogs!

A basic trade union principle is at stake in Smiths - the defence of a written agreement on trade union membership and on disputes procedure.

Trade unionists in all connected industries - and especially the motor industry - should follow the lead given by Heathrow workers and impose an immediate black.

The ASTMS members involved (all in the Hendon Branch) are also appealing for contributions to the dispute fund.

All. donations should be sent c/o Don Hodge, (ASTMS Dispute Fund, Smiths Cricklewood), 37, Chelmsford Square, London NW10.