TUC role exposec

Scan page 1

Previol s TGWU inquiries into the Cowley Assembly Plant are now being openly described as aimed at TGWU militants.

John Power, President of Oxford Trades Council told more *an 100 delegates last Friday mat he had been authorised by e TGWU to describe the previous inquiries as "aimed at curbing the activities of certain people, some of whom. are delegates to this trades council"

He also told delegates that e ard the secretary. Keith Dancy, had been called in to the atest witch-hunt on the orders of the TUC, and that they were Rely responsible to Trades Council delegates.

Power said he was considering libel action against unspecified leaflets which had attacked his decision to join the TGWU witchhunt.

Neither Power nor Dancy had any mandate from Trades Council to attend the inquiry or give evidence against any delegates.

Not necessary But they claimed that no such mandate was necessary since they had an independent responsibility to the TUC.

Power said he had had "a lot of formal and informal contact with the TGWU* And he stunned delegates by sayıng that he no longer cared whether or not they support of their branches.

"We can't complain to the branch because all we get back is a round robin saying how this is the best delegate you could possibly have"

"We have complained to the TUC and were advised to take it up. We sent complaints in writing. We won't withdraw and don't withdraw from them"

Dancy's speech pinpointed the date at which the officers first started their back door moves as last November-precisely the time when the right wing began to lose their majority on the council.

Power closed the meeting rather than allow Alan Thornett to speak about the witch-hunt.

Scan page 2

Pig: