London Labour Briefing no. 73

Ted Knight, previous leader Lambeth Council — surcharged | am confident that | speak on behalf of the 31 surcharged Councillors in Lambeth when | say that we fully support the 8 Labour members who voted against the cuts budget in Lambeth Town Hall.

Its ironic that the surcharged Councillors had to use the Mayor’s casting vote to defeat cuts when the present administration uses the Mayor’s casting vote to impose cuts.

The election in 1986 which brought this administration into office was won with an increased Labour majority on a manifesto committing the Labour Party to a policy of no cuts.

Sharon Atkin - surcharged Lambeth

Councillor

The budget adopted in Lambeth shows a cynical disregard for the bold and correct policies adopted by the former administration.

Eight Councillors, who in the face of enormous pressure, maintained their manifesto commitments, should be applauded and defended against the present threat of expulsion from the Labour Group.

It is regrettable that the current leadership chose to divert attention away from the real issues of cuts to jobs and services by playing the card of alleging racism.

The split that occurred is not one of “white left v. black left” but one of the white right holding and maintaining a grip on the Black leader.

Linda Bellos has allowed herself to be manipulated by the very people she supposedly politically

opposes. Black and white socialists should unite to defend

the Lambeth 8.

Larry Hyett, Lambeth printers & Fleet St

support unit, personal capacity

The printworkers, give full support for the 8 Councillors in :0 position put before the Lambeth

5 iS E WA iu illors will have to be fought within the Labour Party and no forced resignations should follow.

s in Lambeth to resist cuts in employment ar el eee eran seiewing cs On March 27th at the By Cllr Greg Tucker, SOkremning Svar six years Alan MacPherson, Secretary Lambeth Trades

start of Lambeth Lambeth E10 million #s assumed ach, il, persona i Council's ratemaking grgugh—THe——amert0 «be saved by slowing — Consimction Services S = EneRKee ae it meeting Linda Bellos however, was because OW OM recruitment Joke Haroon, Disrict commitment. There can be no victimisation, nthe,

this at a time when white Housing Committee Chair, collar vacancies in Social Vice Chair Health & Consumer

unveiled the banner of | eight Labour Councillors ‘we will have to build a real fight for jobs

the surcharged ae ae Services alone total over Sepices fs of pace tne £250,000 cut inthe hous: Geos Hass Lambeth Workers Joint

Bride of place in the “Tyr kentgst fies i the ing soos toot Jonathan Oppenbimer

Council Chamber. face of the promises made This last cut was not QuyimareCrnue Trade Union Committee

Just after’ midnight, only yea, sgo.n Lambeth even necessary as councll Consumer Ses the morning of March ‘abou’ sto of no officers had agreed a for- Greg Tucker, Chair Economic A whatever mula which would have ‘cinity.& Employment. Chair Co 28th, she brought down the obstacies placed in our found” this. money a/ Group Address to the Council

the curtain on their way. elsewhere. Purely out of Rachel Webb, DHC Chair, ii eioade vite action (sto, be cut spite the right inthe Group Fleas lnaeaed that Thnk you forthe opportunity to address the Council, The Joint jouncil set its budger. 208s the board by such voted down the. proposal RTS od wm xe Shut fen unions eakse 9 Budget aod rete must be sel Deore April 1a, In anironic throwback to ‘hings 2s slowing down on rather than see those OP- Nowed! by cir GC mandate: Wo recognise the courage of the surcharged councilors of oC cS even 2 ‘Alvon Hess: Cher of Hentth _ Lambet end thar Stand agarst Got trposed from mayor had to use his equipment and by exten- abstained Julian Lewis, Cher of Police, and destructive n modern British story and deplore the Casting vote in order to get ding ‘maintenance The task now is to ice Chai Cominction Support given fo Thateharam by the oppostion of Lambeth the Labour Group budget schedules (e.g, replacin Seren, Deputy Whip Counc p budget 9 ePlecing Continued on back page Jean Fach Enel hip. Continued of back. pegs

LABOUR— TAKE THE POWER!

London Lavour Briefing No. 73 Apr 8th-21st 1987 page 2

Spotlight on education

Morrell bows to Baker

Frances Morrell, leader of TLEA,” ex assistant to Tony Benn and a leading figure in the Labour Women's Action Committee, has launched a vicious attack on teacher trade unionists in London.

‘At first glance labour movement activists may feel thatthe Fedeployment proposals voted by a majority of the TLEA Labour Group to move. “surplus"” teachers ‘out of secondary schools are ‘quite reasonable.

‘A. closer examination shows this view to be false. 1,300 teachers have been labelled surplus to requirements”, while the most optimistic forecasts Suggest. an absolute maximum of 400 vacancies.

Yet the cxercie isa compulsory ones and it has even been supgested tha teachers wil be shoved out of schools to Support “projets of the {obs can be found

“The exercise has been deteribed by the moderate NUT lenders asthe worst deployment exercise in” the country iis aimed ar cutting

a euiting. the. curiclum, casing class. size and demoralising teachers who they hope wil leave the profession without getting the all ‘edundancy pay

Many of the: teachers dergaated as) ‘surplus ae black and/or female, as they form the largest proportion of teachers on Seales and 2

many

AL first the Author suggest that such teachers should be given special consideration in line with equal ‘opportunity commitments. But they soon realised that any postive discrimination would be illegal under present Iegislaion and. changed. their BuMent 10 present these as

opportunities” for

ried to

those lucky enough (0 be chosen Vet if this was really the Case. thy the need for compulsion?

Tn my own schoo! several of the women teachers "lucky

fenough to be chosen” are single mothers. How are they to cope

ith the new travel and ildcare arrangements to cross

By Valerie Coultas Vauxhall CLP, Lewisham NUT

London toa new school — even if they were to find new jobs? ‘They will not be able 10 afford to move given the shortage of council housing and the cost of private houses. Why should teachers who have worked long fand hard ia a school just be Shoved around like cattle?

Bur much mioce is at stake even than the rights of teacher trade unionists. The redeployment exercise i a signal {to the Tory: Education. Chief Kenneth Baker, that ILEA i ‘illing to play ball and restore power to the heads in schools and retreat on progressive ‘sdugation

The proposed cuts in staff in secondary schools will lead 10 & more restricted curriculum and ‘options for GCSE will inevitably be cut. As support staff go and class sizes increase the coment of education will eteriorate

‘Already ILEA has begun to

water down. its stand’ on. sex Sducation, banning lteracure ‘which challenges heterosexist ‘ssamptions. It ako hesitated ‘Over the publication of a {caching pack on South Africa, tuntil received notice that ‘was to win an award.

"The advice siven to staff in a new ILEA publication | on “Teaching Controversial Issues

This retteat oF policy coincides si uthoritarianis safl/managen protests mount in schools over the. tedeployment exercise, ILEA‘S response has not been 19 think again but to copy Bak. bullying tactics.

her trade unionists have recened 2 whole series of ‘iscipinary shreats — the latest (of which threatens hem with

“serious ‘misconduct statements if they have ‘encouraged pupils o take action {o defend education

All this comes from councillors that are supposedls Secountable to. the Labour Pany and committed 10 defending comprehensive cducation. Yet only 9 out of 45 Souncillocs had the courage 10 Sand up to the ILEA officers.

How are these councillors going 0 defend LEA as an ‘Authority in the furure if they are backtracking now? Kennet Baker already has the power to determine staffing, "capital ‘expenditure and he can also Intervene on curriculum issues in LEA if he s0 chooses. Two Guy Technical Colleges are already planned

‘The right wing are not short on innovative ideas for ‘smashing TLEA up, but how can Morrell launch 2 defence of ILEA when she is implementing Tory policies herself?

‘simple — don’ ‘education

i's high time every London Labour Panty called these “soft left” councillors 10 order. They are not only riding roughshod ‘Over Greater London Labour Party policy of opposition to compulsory” redeployment but they will no even talk teacher trade unionists

Frances Morcell has made 2 reat deal of nove about givi0g.

more power to women i the

tent. How about

1s yo employ See majony of who are women "more pumer Over that Hikes, Frances?

Model resolution Points I and 2 could be used as an emergency resolution to GLLP. conference.

This CLP trade union branch: 1 Condemas the 1LEA Labour Group for proposing,» system ‘of compulsory transfer for Icachers in. London's schools This dechiow rune directs otter to Labour Party polie2Calls on ILEA to miles this ‘proposal and. to. begin fegodations immediately with fn

[hour moves

inges all Labour Groups to: 12 campaign in defence of comprehensive educatios

Be defend all steps forward ‘made in equal opportunities:

©. fight for more resources For ‘cducation agains! all cuts

@. “refuse to implement the Baker Bil.

‘We farther call on TLEA reps

3. oppose a return lo cover for

‘absent colleagues in Landon schools: B. withdraw hreats of

‘disciplinary action to NUT ‘members taking action 10 de- {end jobs and conditions:

€. support aay lobbs called by ILTA of the GLEP conference.

PHOTO: Rod Saunders Productions

ILEA Deputy Leader censured

At its March General Committee, Hackney North & Stoke Newington Labour Party ‘overwhelmingly passed (34-12) a motion of censure condemning its ILEA members, Bernard Wiltshire, the deputy feader, ‘and Stephen Benn for supporting the compulsory _ redeployment of teachers. Furthermore, the members were instructed to move an emergency motion at the next ILEA Labour Group to freeze the ‘compulsory redeployment process and to reopen negotiations with the unions to improve staffing ratios in London’s schools.

‘The strong feeling at the GC promoked an emotive

debate with Bernard Wiltshire attempting _ to justify ‘compulsory

redeployment on the grounds that it improved ‘the education system for school students and parents.

By Ian Millichap Hackney North GC

delegate

Ie was particularly impor. tant that Hackney North exerted its authority over its members on this issue as it was this constituency that promoted opposition to compulsory redeploy ment which led to the final

‘adoption of the policy by ‘the Greater London Labour Party.

All delegates to the GC were lobbied by a joint deputation of teachers and school students opposing compulsory redeployment.

Following the decisive vote on censure, Bernard Wiltshire was asked if he would implement the GC’s instruction but he refused to reply. Stephen Benn unenthusiastically stated that 2 motion would appear on the agenda for the next Labour Group.

The Party will need to keep a close eye on how its proposal progresses and whether its members support it both in Labour Group and in ILEA council.

School students

When students in Stoke Newington schoo! found out about the redeployment of teachers, there was a tremendous feeling of disbelief and anger

Then we organised 2 Hackney school students meeting for March 20th, ‘and leafletted all the schools affected by redeployment. We had a meeting of about 150 kids, The School Students Union told us they were

planning a London-wide

Lewisham Left Forum challenge for leadership

Lewisham Left Forum has issued the following call for support for the Counei leadership election.

‘A democratic party holds lections to allow contests. I is therefore not an act of disloyalty to the Party or the council that the Left Forum is standing candidates for all the positions to be filled at the Labour Group. Annual Meeting.

Uncontested elections would not allow the Party t0 make political choices. And our differences with the present leadership are political and not personal. We hope

that all candidates will ad. dress the polities and not the personalities

‘The Left Forum is committed

(@A leadership which will see through the battle against cen tral government ia.secure the resources to meet” Lewishaan's

By Lewisham Left

Forum

needs; @ devastating. financial crisis is imminent and we don't Believe that we can afford 10 put all our Faith in delivery [rom evi bby a Labour government

‘@ An end to undemocratic and manipulative practices within

the Labour Group — no kitchen cabinets

@A council which builds trust and co-operation with its trade tinions — ap end (0 the heavy handed managerial approach.

(9A leadership which acts ‘ccisively to promote equal opportunities — don't let the Mer ‘@A' Labour Group accounable to the Party — nota leadership “which denies. the Party's ight to express a view

We are yery conscious that women arc. under-represented ‘on this slate, But to suppor ‘womien with whose policies we disagree, oF t0 put pressure on women to stand would be fokenism of the worst Kind, We believe that 2 Council leadership

‘committed to resisting cuts and promoting childcare is the Best for women in the borough, We therelore support

Leader: Ron Stockbridge

Deputy Leader (Policy): Tim

Barnett

Deputy Leader (Outside

Bodies:Steve Padmore

Group Chaie: Pat Waylett Jon Lansman

= Chifion Graham mips: Peeey Fuzsimmons, Jan Pedelty

Tony Link.

The left Forum is urging all branches and constituencies 10 hold “ustings™ for the various posts, to have an open and inFormed election.

Briefing is pleased (0 give its support to the Left slate

demo at Country Hall on Thursday March 26th. it wa against redeployment, among other things. This was voted through the meeting unanimously and

By Saffron Burrows Stoke Newington School

2 press statement was written in full support of the teachers fighting redeployment. Unfortunately, on the day of the demo, because of lack of contact and time, only students from ‘Skinners School and Stoke ‘School Hackney. Even so, over 300 kids

Labour was expected to win the Merton Council by-election.

The Tories only had a majority of 29. If the Tories had lost, they would have lost control of Merton

By Dan Carter

Council; and the result would have affected the balance of power on many London-wide bodies where the Tories have a one vote majority.

In the event, the Tories increased their majority to

a eee

strike back!

came from schools.

‘After walking out of our classes at 11am, we ed_at County” hall at 12.30pm. We held a rallyflobby outside County Hall for over an hour. Then we marched to the Elephant and Castle, stopping off at the DES on our way back

the two

We joined Camden Teachers at County Hall and had another » rally. There were over. 1,500

is and at least 7 London schools were represented. ‘The day was very successful and we decided to ‘come out again along with the teachers on April 2nd,

vote also went up, in an enormous turnout (62%),

but it was of | little consolation.

What went wrong? The now ‘famous Tory bribe of £100,000 clean-up campaign in the ward during. the by. flection had some effect. The sight of paving stones being fixed “and windows being painted as the voters went 10 the poling stations must have influenced some people.

The fact that’ the budget was just two days before was also relevant , And the Tories nd the SOP hed more people from outside the borough helping.

But in 2 working class ward ‘of @ privatisation-mad Tory Council, the. level of defeat Cannot be hidden. The Tories’ ‘Sppesl to the money in peo: ple's pockets — low rates, ash-inhand. budget — was Seen as more relevant than the father vague promises Labour is currently. making. Something has to be dane to harden up Labour's appeal — and fast

London Labour Briefing No. 73 Apr 8th-2Ist 1987 page 3

on health Save Peter Pan! Save St Charles!

Spotlight - Beware Tory election

gimmick!

A major — if temporary — victory has: been won by the campaign to Saye West London Hospital (SWEL).

‘Massive pressure from the community and staff ‘campaign has forced the Riverside District Health ‘Authority to defer the plans to close the popular local Hospital.

By Dan Carter

Bur the additional £700,000 which Riverside Health Authority isto receive has been dismissed as an election gimmick by the Campaign

‘A public. meeting held in Harumersmith Town Hall heard that as a result of this injection fof cash Riverside's managers would be seeking 10 withdraw their current proposal (0 close West London’ Hospital without aay seproviion of ws famed maternity unit — in favour of fan option to site all Riverside's ‘maternity services at a brand new unit in St. Stephen's Hospital in Fulham.

Speakers at the public meeting, including MPs. Clive Soley “and Nick Rayasford, argued that the extra £700,000 Was a trifling amount compared {othe f4m cuts Riverside has 10 ‘make each year up to 1994

‘The meeting also heard that Riverside was currently ‘overspent on this year’s budget bby almost fim id spite of an Underspend on nursing budgets ‘of over £600,000. Speaker after Speaker from the floor claimed that the £700,000 was only made available in order to defer an

Unpopular ‘hospital closure Sedaton unl aller the nex “The meeting agreed to step up its campaign Ms Pat Tookey, chair of

Demonstration to save the West London Hospital

SWEL and a mother of a child born at the hospital, said:

“We have no. interest in David ‘Knowles’ (General Manager .of Riverside Health ‘Authogity, DAS) proposals for new maternity unit at St Stephen's Hospital and we think his plan isan attempt to confuse and divide opinion about the future of maternity services in Riverside. St Stephen's Hospital is poorly served. by public transport and is inacessible to ‘many women who aow use the West London Hospital. We ‘want investment in the West London site so that it can be tused by local people sho need and deserve’ high quality

National Health Service care."

‘Postscript: Even in election year, London Heath Emergency and” Labour's! health Spokespecson Frank Dobson MP, have proved by a consta ‘ream of facts and figures that no hospital inthe capital is safe ‘Threats are now being made 10 the Westminster Hospital, the closest 10 the House’ of ‘Commons

Geoff Martin, of London Health Emergency, says: “The ccs have now reached the MPS" ‘own doorstep. Let's see if the Sort of campaign they will mount will have the same effect 25 the magnificent campaign 10 Saye the West London.”

Watchdogs claim credit for Fowler cash boost

Health watchdog body London Health Emergency has been quick to welcome the extra £13m funding announced for 19 of London’s 30 health districts

by Social Services Secretar ‘Norman Fowler.

By Dan Carter

(ith additional information

from London Health Emergency)

‘But at the same time LHE argues that this concession comes as the result of the success of local campaigns in expo: ing the impact on London's NHS of repeated annual cuts in real spending.

in our opinion this money has only been released by Mr Fowler because with a General Election imminent he knows that literally millions of Londoners have been appalled by the dacline in our health services," said LHE Information Officer John Lister.

"it organisations tke ours, and local campaigns like the Save West London Hospital Campaign had not kept batter ing sway, drawing public at fention to the cuts. taking place, there would have been fo extra cash for London.

‘Aa it, Me Fowler is trying to buy back popularity on the

limits that would leave London Zam short of the money tecded ta mannan services Newt you see Its now you Sone”

inthe five years since 1982, London’ NHS has faien over £200m "below "the. funding heeded to keep. pace wth Growing numbers of elderly More than 7,000 hospital eas have been closed, ambulance Savices. devastated, wating fits go up year by yesr. and low-paid nursing and ancitary Staff are forced to work undot neerampossstbe stra that Seetovng morale and leavin winole’ “departments, short Sate

Aporist this picture of decine. and after siccessive Yeors of actual ‘ute, Mi Fowier pas announced one Your of partial ett. Sut thas wong” way short of the Recessany” U-turn on health Spending

“fon Lister adds: “The pro blame have beon defered not Solved. it the present polices femain unchanged, sre can predict trat son atter the

Notes are counted in the General Election, ‘health authorities Ike Riverside, Hackney. Merton and

Lewisham will once again be Rushed by cash limits. slong the toad of Cuts and closures.

London Heslth Emergency is 2 ‘capital-wide watchdog body funded by 1 consortium of London boroughs: Camden, ‘Greenwich,

Soutnwark and Waltham Forest.

is Tory

Hammersmith Hospital now has the unenviable distinction of being the first hospital in Britain to have had a closure notice carried out following the lifting of Crown Immunity from hospital premises in February

(On Monday March 30th Hammersmith & Fulham Council, via local health inspectors. won a battle in the courts to have the kit. chens closed because of cockroach infestation.

Dear Briefing,

Ta reply to Linda Clarke, Craig Brewin and others who have. atacked Hackney Counc's ban on boxing, | find their arguments lotally unconvincing.

‘There are lots of arguments against boxing, but as Craig points ou (and then, amazing Fyrasserts that itis nota strong argument!), the main aim of ‘boxing is t0 inflict damage ca ‘an opponent. That is what boxing is fundamentally about

in this respect itis unique. It

is the only “sport™ which has this as its aim. Comparisons ‘with football, cricket, crossing

the road and’ anything ele are therefore “wrong, because juries here are incidental to the tm fact, the medical evidence that boxing docs indeed cause fnote the word couse) injuries 0

Inner London, we are told, has too many health resources. Our services must therefore be drained away (o other areas.

This is the upside-down accountants’ logic that means private hospitals for the rich, employed, and privately insured,’ are Mlourishing and expanding; whilst our hospitals, serving the poor of the inner city, are being forced to cut ser~ vices and close.

tis this process which is forcing health workers, the people of the local com: munity and the local Labour Parties into a desperate and determined alliance to defend our health service and ‘our local hospitals. This ‘means campaigning, not only against the planned cuts, but to bring down the Tory government that stands behind them.

In our area in Kensington, St Charles: Hospital is threatened

‘community service, First for the ‘chop is the Peter Pan children's ard. Then will) come the closure of casualty

"The reduction of the hospital's services to. geriatric ‘and paychiatric care will follow And” each step will be ‘camouflaged with soft soap and Untrastworthy assurances

Fortunately, in Kensington there is already established. a record of successful fightback against health cuts. This is not ihe first time planners have tried fo. begin the rundown of St ‘Charles with the closure of the Peter Pan children’s ward.

Tn 1984, the Save Peter Pan ‘Action Group, led by Labour Party members, won categoric assurances. from the District Health Authority (DHA) that the children’s ward would remain at St Charles, with reduc i beds, but improved facilities, ‘The leafletting. petitioning and dedicated hard work of the AC

favourite

By Les Aldridge ASTMS (in person: capacity)

This is not 8 vindictive ideological attack by a Labour Council’ "on Mediclean, the cleaners at Hammersmith hospital. Environmental health officers. have been calling for improvements at the DuCane Rd hospital since before the change in admin in May "86. Now those of us who had observed similar probloms ot ‘bouring Charing Cross Hospits! sre waiting to see who amongst the staff at

the brain especially is» Sirong. About a year ago, the London boxer Steve Watt col Tapsed and. died following 2 bout with Rocky Kelly "The inquest

brain had damaged, not ju

to the head over several examples. When Craig Brewin says ‘The medical evidence is in ive." he is being dis

senuous. When Linda Clarke says "surely there are 90 more injuries im boxing than in many other sports.."", she is ‘missing the point. Someone wha boxes for any length of time will sustain injuries which may not

Ma |

Ben Bousquet, Kensington’s PPC,

meeting

tion Group campaigners roused feal feeling in the local com: munity. Now the battle has (0 be fought once agai.

By Paul Harrington Chair, Kensington CLP and Secretary, Save St Charles Campaiga David Holland Secretary, Kensington cL”e

Last year the merger of Padington and North Kensignton DHA with Brent was approved jn principle ‘by the Regional Health Authority, giving the green light for a fresh round of Guts and closures in our area

Immediately, local adsministrators began to renege on their pledges to the community, with "proposals “to shut the Children’s ward. Ultimately, itis feared, the prime site oocupied by St Charles, wll be put on the market for the property Speculators to make a Milling

‘Kensington Labour Party has responded by sounding the ‘alarm. The Save Peter’ Pan,

Cockroaches in Hammersmith & Fulham

Blatta orientalis

Hammersmith will be chosen t0 take the blame for this enor mous embarrassment toa world-famous. teaching hospital. Where will the next notice be served?

OF course, the question re. mains of why it took so long to lift Crown Immunity. | think 1 have the answer. Our commonest species of cockroach, Blatta Onentalis, the oriental cockroach, is the intellectual of the insect world. Most inSect behaviour is purely. in Stinctive. but the cockroach is the idea! citizen in the eyes of many Tory MPs. It lestre 10 fespond to punishment and ‘other negative influences and thereby is motivated t0 turn to the left or the right directionally.

‘The evidence for this damage overwhelming. A British Medical Association spokesperwon compared the brain 10.3 lancmange in a Box. The effect of repeated Blows t0 the head ‘ould be the same as shaking the box containing the blanc mange. About a year ago the Board of Science of the BMA produced a report on the effects

Of boxing. Iwill gladly lend anyone who wants to read it a copy.

Finally, before {am accused

cof “middie class morality”, can Tsay that I used to box as a boy. my (working class) father and bis brother were keen boxers in their youth. The argument that to oppose boxing is "middle Classis totaly puerile "You do not support or oppose

at-@ “Save St Charles" public

Save St Charles Campaign has been relaunched with street stalls, petitions, mass leafleting and fly-posting. Our initial Target 10 match the 5,000 Signatures gathered by the Peter Pan Action Group and to block the adoption of the local health Service strategy document in May. We are_ collaborating closely with NUPE, and in particular, the NUPE hurses group in St Charles,

‘Ava public mecting on March Mst, Ben Bousquet, the pro: ‘spective Labour candidate in Kensington, appealed for an all cout campaign to. defend the health service, locally and sationally

Kensington is a Tory marginal. There is. therefore every possibility of sinning conessions on health cuts, by mak. ing them a burning local issue in a preceection period

itisalso worth noting that the issues of accountability and Party democracy, always charapioned by Briefing, have been Bound up with this campaen From the outset. The planning document providing for health fouls Inthe area sas. actually moved on the DHA. by a local Labour counsillor. NUPE com plained to” the Party and Semanded he be called to ac: ‘count. A healthy discussion on this issue prepared the ground for the’ present united campaign

Now, Michael Meacher is refusing to give us a pledge that Services at St Charles will be ‘maintained by a Labour govern ‘ment. Is it 2 “loony left view that we should not have to Fight four own leaders, as well as the Tories, n an election year, of @ vital issue like defending health

We call upon_membets of COHSE, Meacher's sponsoring union, and all who meet or c Fespond with Michael Meacher, to press him on St Chatles at fevery opportunity, until this Fidiculous situation is put right

In the meantime, one thing i certain. Jenny Edwards, PPC for Westminser North, and Ben Bousquet will be leading a deter mined. campaign 10. save St Charles. This campaign wil Continue whether the political olour ofthe next government is

pink, blue or picbald!

something é 3g cass, oF

you will find yourselves suppor. ing all kinds of undesirable ac tivities. IU you who ate Being moralistic with your ridiculous Sentimentality

“The reason working class peo ple in the East End and blach youth have carved themselves @ place in the sport is precisels Because their options in other areas have been shut off. The Socialist answer is (0 fight agains class oppression and in Stitutionalised. racism in evers Field, but at the same time not attempt to deny truths that are Staring usin the face

Yours comradely

David Robinson

Haringey Labour 8

London Labour Briefing No. 73 Apr 8th-2ist 1987 page 4

Organise now!

On March 27th, 8 Labour Councillors in By Graham Topley Lambeth voted against Streatham CLP the cuts budget presented by the leadership of the Labour Labour movement. Group. ‘The budget proposed by Council leader Linda Bellos contained a package. of cuts which should have been opposed by any Lambeth Councilor stay

Union statement

Continued from front page

‘The unions have considered the proposed budget for the ‘Council. We are critical that it does not fully represent that ‘needed to begin the building up of local authority services after Years of imposed cuts. The unions wil explain to Lambeth eople why services are becoming worse. less resourced both in forms of staff and equipment

‘There should be an emphasis 2s greed with this Council, on, housing and social services. This should mean speeding up tecruitment, higher pay to attract woreks and increases in establishment where necessary. The unions reject any "recruitment drag” es 8 way of saving money. This will only lead to further loss of services.

‘Services weakened by vacancies will be ripe for privatisation. ‘The unions ask the Council to consider massive increases in the ‘taining budgets, particularly for full time courses and apprenticeships to improve services and make the maximum use ‘of focal labour. Itis Impossible to have an effective equal ‘opportunities policy without good training schemes

"The unions do not want to See capitalisation used at the expense of house building

“The unions require 3 full explanation of the state of the superannuation fund and demand the agreement of the current "chopping list’ including contributions paid for women on maternity leave. Any discrimination in the superannuation ‘Scheme must cease

‘The unions wish to see further municipalisation of services ‘and the work of many contractors and sub contractors coming into direct employment.

‘Lambeth’s performance on housing reapirs has been debated this month; all necessary staff and financial resources should be immediately employed and deployed.

‘Specific cuts in this proposed budget come to mind: the delayed opening of the fostering shop in Brixton and delays in the opening of a children's home: the current dispute with the ‘AEU has at its base the cutting of 3 posts, 2 tyre and body ‘hop and five out stations. The unions support the AEU and request the dispute is brought to a satisfactory conclusion by the noon deadline on Monday.

in conclusion the unions do not believe that the budget before this meeting wil bring the growth mentioned in the Leader's March 1th letter to staff. In this year there must be both money and the will to give Lambeth the service it desperately, needs.

"This council must show by example that Labour is a Party worth voting for nationally. Only in this way will the fight ‘against Thatcherism, of which the disqualification of the Ted {Knight administration was one battle, can be won. The unions are showing by their continued financial support, that we can work together

ing faithful to the manifesto on which they were elected. ‘That manifesto boldly stated:

“i we are faced with 2 choice between Tory demands fo cut ou services for local

people.

"At the Council meeting only 8 Councilors stood with the people. The 3 have clearly Shown the way to fight the ‘Tories and those in their own ranks who want 10 sit back ‘and wait for the election of @ Kinnock led goveenment.

Lambeth Counc should have been mobilising the trade unions, Party members and community. organisations ‘round 3” realise poly of Sofence of jobs and services, ot forcing these groups to op: pose them,

‘How can Lambeth mobilise ‘support for a strategy which is 2 direct attack on those very eople? We should condemn the Tories and their vicious policy of ratecapping.

“The Labour leadership has proved an obstacle rather than help in ths fight. But that is ho excuse for Battering down the hatches, making cuts and waiting for next year. Cuts this year lor any. year) Semoblnse and demoraiee the ‘workforce — they weaken the fight against Tory legislation ‘and privatisation

‘Some comrades argue against iegalty and sur ‘charge — but whose legality are we taking about? What's So “legal” about cuts in hous. ing repairs, savings in deferred ‘expenditure and. recruitment slippage?

Yes. we should organise ‘now for next year — but clear Ty on the basis of the lead given by the Lambeth 8. They ave shown the way.

‘@the debate on services must be taken out of smoke filled rooms into. the wider Ccommuruty. The trade unions, Labour Parties and community ‘must be mobilised trom the ‘Outset through full consulta tion and involvement in the decision-making process to

‘establish the real level of social need. Labour councillors must have confidence in the ‘community's desire and wil ingness to fight, not patronis: Ingly impose cuts budgets on them im the name. of Sreakem’

‘We need greater coordination” across the Boroughs to map out @ London wide (and nationall response. ‘There can be no “socialism in cone borough” as 2 strategy.

‘@Labour Councilors must vote against cuts and act as @ minonty caucus. Such Stand, as that taken by the "Lambeth 8" is the only way to prepare the ground tor any future confrontation with the government

EE

Dipp as Leroy and Daz Dean as Joseph in Bryan Oliver's Zul Blood. A black British musician arrives in South Africa hoping that the local music will provide the inspiration he needs to revive bis

tagging career, but finds things aren't that simple.

A topical

lay. performed with vigour, certain to interest anyone concemed bout the boyeott issue. Tabard theatre, Chiswick til Apil Sth ‘Muswell Hil Centre April Sth & 11th; Duke of Cambridge, Kentish Town, April 14-19th; Jackson's Lane, April 24-25th. Further

details 889 6225,

Lambeth 8 show the way

Continued front front page

rebuild the fight against attacks on council services. Despite appearances the 8 “rebels” are far from isolated. Lambeth NALGO. had organised a lobby of the ratemaking _ meeting and are now planning action against the budget cuts. The Joint Trade Union Committee addressed the Council meeting and made it plain that they reject the budget.

Within the Group itself at least three others have indicated that they only Supported the _ budget under protest because they felt bound by their GC mandate.

In the CLPs members are still mainly confused. Most chose to believe the pro: mises they. were given by the leadership that cuts ‘were not being made. Even then Vauxhall GC had only ‘2 majority of two in favour ‘of the budget. As it becomes plainer what the facts are Party members will be faced with some

NALGO takes on the

Shirley Porter and her petitive tendering is not a colleagues ‘on privatisation exercise: apparent

are currently mounting staff Shirley Porter stated that ment's reteat on compulsory ‘We are committed to organisdecided to put 13 major ser- #5 industrial action.

education "campaign amongst from refuse collection to fZucation campaign housing esta

management. "55 far as withdrawal from the

National Joint negotiating machinery is _ concerned, NALGO has refused 10 negotiate with the Council and bas. voted overwhelmingly ballot on the question of all out Stike action

The implications of both these attacks are clearly linked Not only is the government ‘committed to cutting public expenditure and handing public Services over to private contrac: tors, itis also Keen to see local authorities run ike private comDanies without the apparent Constraints of long established ay and. service conditions bargaining machinery.

‘in Westminster we are only

Tories

{00 well aware of this because as ‘well as having to fight cuts and privatisation during recent years tke have bad to rest moves Towards pay by performance land more recently we have seen the appointment of a new “Managing Director to replace. the former Assistant Chief Executive!

The message 10 vs is clear: in the run-up 10 a erucial General Election ‘Westminster will. be seen by many as a testing ground” for” escalating Tory

"The Key 10 success will be 10 organise with other workers and tasers of services to defeat the Counc.

By Chris Eades Ass, Branch Secretary Wesiminster NALGO

{personal capacity)

They have also taken By Tom Luacs Nicholas Ridley at his word Westminster NALGO, ‘on the question of pay Islington North CLP ~ bargaining and have been Gy Weduesday March 19th actively investigating the Westmister’ "NALCO. forced possibility of withdrawing Lady Porter's Tory administra: from the national joint tion to quaranice redeployment negotiating machinery for to those pregnant women using white collar staff. YDUs who wanted it

Faced with such a huge seale attack NALGO are organising.

Pelle dintreahperp esa ‘we are Organising jointly with Small matter

NUPE to fight the big sell-off This ls the fleet dispute we and continue campaigning for Save wom for years, and our vicihcimprovement and sapension fry Seven more sigaificant as of existing services rundown i was a direct result of VDU

to ask members not to comply with the Council's proposals; ston of the membership,

That means. refusing to pare The action was filiated by Hat means, Feng 10, Pa ahe branch executive, afer an fand asking union members not struction "from a branch {o\get involved in drawing up Meeting, whem it was clear that Speifcations for tender ‘negotiations at the Greater Lon-

“The Tories claim that com- dom Whitley Council were not

moving the employer's oppostion to guaranteed redeployment

‘Within two weeks of stating the action the Council had ac: ‘ceded to the union's demand ‘and were even claiming that the two years of their obstinacy were the" result of 2 misunderstanding!

pact of the. branch's. victors Shows that the Council realise

Industrial action. At the same time they are ready to confront the union with a massive programme of privatisation (see ‘mala article) and are threaten- {ng a unilateral withdrawal from the national negotiating machinery.

"The council are pushing

‘ahead to implement the policy even central government have postponed, because they share {he objectives of central govern ment: the intention {0 create ‘Seunionised exible’ ‘workforce at the beck and Of private contractors, who will be invited to rum local govern iment services

“As such Westminster has become atest case, making the tenion's actions. highly sigaifi= ant. So far the members have ecided to adopt 2 position of ‘no. negotiation on withdrawal {rom the National Joint Council, and the branch executive are campaigning for non compliance with tendering. process

‘membership. ‘On the basis of this policy. 2 Joint campaign with all levels of the Westminster NUPE branch is being built. The recent victory ‘can only sirengihen the union's resolve in the coming strugele!

hard realities.

The first test will be to ensure that the 8 are defended. The Right are already talking of expelling us from Group. Second is the Group elections. The 8 have decided not to resign collectively from posts. Whilst we will not be directly challenging Linda Belios for Leader, we will be fighting for positions in Group on a clear programme of opposition to the leadership's strategy.

At the same time the Right/LCC are going to insist on secret ballots so even if we win Party support there is little expecta. tion that this will stop the fight gaining ground. They are clearly going on the of fensive and will im to take control of the council, even if they leave Linda Bellos as Leader.

It is a sad reflection of

Send details of events in London to Labour Briefing, 26 Crofton Road, London SES, or phone them in on 733 7016. Please include access details.

‘See Building Briefing (National page 8) for details of further events.

APR 7-13 ‘Daly picket of Paul Simon, Albert Hall, SW7. Jom, forganised by Anti-Apartheid Movement in support of cultural boycott of South ‘Africa, Details: Karen Talbot, 387 7966.

SAT APR 11 ++ Peckham CND Benefit. Move Against the Missi with The Deltones & The Forest villbilies. 7.30, 42 Braganza St, SE17 (Kennington tube). £4 (£2 unwaged:. Wheelchair access toll.

THU APR 23 lslington Labour Briefing meeting, Red Rose Club, 129 Seven Sisters Road, London 4, Bpm. Speakers from NALGO & ILTA discuss Labour Authority attacks on ‘wade unions. All supportersitesders welcome.

SAT APR 25, ‘+ Lesbion and Gay Immigration Group & Lesgisiation for Lesbians and Goy Rights Campaign joint meeting on law & immigration. 25pm, Hampden Community Centre, 150 Oseulton St, London NW1. Nearest tube/BR Euston or King’s /St Pancras. Disabled access. Contact LGIG, BM Welcome, London WCIN 3XX or LLGRC, Fim 221, 38 Mount Pleasant, London WCTX

onP.

#CND march. March through Southwark to join National ‘END demo: meet Camberwell Green, 9.308

the present reality that the LCC has succeeded in drawing Linda Bellos into its ranks and shifting the political profile of the Lambeth Council leadership. The consequence of this realignment is that Lin da is prepared to ditch support for Joan Twelves, even though Joan has spent most of the last three weeks building sup: port for Linda and voted for the budget (following her GC mandate) even though she personally disagreed with it

Whatever the Group election results we are in for a stormy year. There are bound to be calls for further cuts, Building unity between those councillors prepared to fight, the council workforce at ali levels, and the wider com: munity will be our central

Briefing is asking all readers to ensure that their organisa place an advert in Briefing for London Region Labour Party Conference.

Cost £5 per col. inch {minimum 2 col inches).

Send to Briefing, 26

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MON APR 27 ‘+ Marxist Discussion Forum. Women's liberation and socialism, speaker Leonora Lloyd. 7.30pm, Rising Sun, Harlesden Rd, NW10. “Peckham CND, "Radiation for beginners", at SCVS, above Times Furnishings, 135 Rye Lane.

TUE APR 28 ‘Black people & policing workshop, organised by London Strategic Policy Unit Details: 633 5944

‘APR 29.20 ‘Policing & Civil Defence workshop, organised by {SPU. Details as above,

‘TUE APR 28 +NALGO Met District Broad Lott mecting to discuss National Conference & pay claim. 6.30pm, County Hall. WED APR 29

+ Camden Labour Briefing meeting. Bom. Venue: Contact Fred (387 1361) or Fran (431 0357).

MON MAY 11 ‘Packham CND, with Harriot Harman MP, at SCVS, sbove Times Furnishings, 135 Rye Lane.

THU May 28 #isington Labour Briefing meeting, Red Rose Club, 129 Seven Sisters Road, London Na pm,