London Labour Briefing no. 88

ILEA: nowhere left to run

STAND AND FIGHT!

The Tory Cabinet has decided that ILEA will be abolished and control of education in inner London handed over to the local boroughs. To defeat the attack a well organised united campaign of the whole labour and trade union movement in London is needed.

Even before abolition, Baker's decision to insist on ILEA setting a maximum rate at 81.6 pence in the £ gave notice of massive job losses and wholesale damage to the service if the Labour Group sticks to its “‘balanced budget” road.

‘The education service, like the NHS, faces problems

@ consequence of central Tory policy deci. ce the Health Service, it is not possible to

the fightback to one of campaigning .. That is where we can start — but

we need to go further.

By Bernard Regan

Suspended NUT Executive Member Inner London

The level of spending on education in inner London is greater than anywhere else in the country. That is the legacy of generations of working class people fighting to improve education going back to the last century. It reflects the needs of children and young people in the London of the 1980s.

The current Labour leadership were elected on the basis of 2 manifesto which declared a commitment to maintaining that educatic ision. now has to declare what its intentions are. Will it mak Baker's cuts or will it stand by that manifesto? Will it fight to preserve an Inner London Education Authority — or will it leave those of us in poorer boroughs to go hang?

‘There are no such things as ‘‘socialist cuts” and no amount of handwringing can cover the fact that Labour members implementing a budget on the basis of the rate level determined by Baker are implementing Tory policies. It is no consolation to a sacked cleaner, school k dinner worker, technician, office worker, librarian or teacher that they were cut by Labour members. And trying to organise a fight against abolition will be undermined by implementing

cuts. The Labour Group has to make a choice — spend the

next year implementing Baker's cuts — or join the groundswell of working class resistance to the Tory

Majority opposition poses the same problems as staying in office — they can be surcharged for voting ‘egal” budget. Resigning and fighting an elec- ‘will simply leave the Tories in power at County Hall to make the cuts in their absence.

‘The present situation was entirely foreseeable. Over the years union after union warned them that their socalled “creative accounting” was nothing of the sort. It simply put off the problem.

London and National coverage.

London Teachers’ Associato protest against the government's decision on rate-capping and abolition and to call upon ILEA to refuse to make cuts.

ILTA does not consider this action to be solely in defence of teacher jobs but rather a defence of all jobs and of the whole service.

What is needed is a campaign that unites all thos. who are prepared to fight, which brings together a the unions. Perhaps the upping of the stak suade other unions to respond to ILTA’s in

Continued on back page

Health workers took strike action on February 3rd in defence of our National Health Service. See inside for

London Labour Briefing No. 88 February 100h-23rd 1988 pase 2

Support grows

NALGO_ Metropolitan their hands: District Council has call- sree a geen! ed on all local govern- sat igi ties a However, London Bridge and that a general discussion ment NALGO branches agreed to shift the date of its on strategy is necessary. This in London to strike on action to ensure maximum ig true — but that is Mareh 8th. tunity across London, and — reason to do nothing as their The decision came after the emergency resolution to members are thrown on the the District Council was told the NALGO District Coun- dole. that the ILEA Joint Union cil calling for support for The official support of Committee had decided to srike action on March 8th NALGO and the ILEA organise a one day strike on was overwhelmingly sup: unions for a one day strike ported, despite attempts will make it a lot easier 10 Jobs and services and from the district leadership encourge union members 19 against the atiack om ILEA, to confuse the discussion. strike on March Sth. It will, The call for a London: ‘These decisions by the however, sil be up to local wide strike in defence of ILEA JUC and NALGO union branches and shop Council jobs and against the District Council area victory stewards to do the work of new laws attacking local for left_activists in the mobilising members for the government was initiated unions. The present round strike and demonstration back in October by London of cuts in London Councils _ London Bridge and LonFights Back (the anti-cuts will lead to the disap- don Fight Back will campaign) and London pearance of 20,000 jobs; yet therefore sill play 2 crucial Bridge (the shop stewards the district and national role in ensuring that the one network), leaderships of NALGO and day strike and demonstraThe date of Wednesday NUPE have been sitting on tion is a success. March Sth had been set: Publicity produced: and 13 NALGO branch, ILTA and London Bridge Co-ordinating meeting for the one day strike: Haringey NUT. and three Every Monday at 6pm, Room S126, North Block, County Hall Building Depariment Joint Make sure that sour Shop Stewards Committees had backed this cal When the one-day strike was discussed on the ILEA Joint Union Committee, NUPE proposed that a one day strike with a demonstra

tion be held on March 8th Thursday February 18th, 10am This suggestion was

deliberately put to under Cg mine the idea of co-. __ Details from Ed Hall, the Secretary, London ordinated action 10 resist” Bridge, 9-15 New Park Road, London SW2 4DU.

government attacks on a 01-674 9844 ext. 180

LONDON BRIDGE General Meeting

How to fight the cuts

Any Save ILEA campaign will only succeed if it

resistance to every ext in cry School college and nursery

he cond “Tis sratcay doesnot reguire ‘hich Baker's abolition pro- a majorly of ILEA ‘Labo

posal has arisen were created members to work; only tee (or

by the Labour Group's from Whitehall; and a formal more) need to resign with the

response to Ridley's budget. recognition of this by the backing of their conslitnency Previous Save TLEA cami- resignation of ILEA members partic.

paigns have rallied parents and ‘wirh iheir CLPs refusing 10 con- "We fought for LEA in the feachers in defence of a unified fest che subsequent By-election. past because we wanted 10 de-

By Ian Harrison

inner London education service “Labour cannot sustain an fend our education service. Now because ILEA wascommitted to adequate education service for it is only determined opposition somprehensive education for all inner London with a 10% 10 cus in the education service ages with a high level ofresoure- - budget cut this year and further which will give Labour any ing piven a background of acute cuts im subsequent | years. chance "of reestablishing @ urban deprivation Instead of agonisina in commit. properly-resourced ILEA in the This i no longer the case. tees about which culs 1o make future and of strengthening the ILEA has already antagonised and attracting public anger on forces of opposition instead of ‘most of Ks teaching salt by isthe Labour Patty, socialist demoraising them. policy of compulsory redeploy 3 should be out Hammersmith CLP has voted

Steve Cowan

ra se itigy POSIDIE At ast, after years of proeponses Othe ns?” Satiaton the Cabinet Labour Group should vote have decided to come Leo aa Or Gen about REA abobton: ee eae len Soeric Staceieue wet ouind aay @ oaisole ge ce ge Dee aseume cence aa Labour Group sts on ts bands Tory and Alliance parents can in the next few weeks this progien beer ree aos eS SS oe ee Soe ae Se Jae es See. ot Ses Sees: Secceee oS Se a ee acer ee 6 ae Fm eee So oe Tis eg Lat meee See oes toc ee Sy oes Sates a ape ee oe eee = Se ae le ee ea eee poo Snes Soe TON, (Geeks ty <0 Cans ou nase ot 5” my coe oom By eg eg ee ee Se i eee ee ee eer es te Desee mat even ot eeretans So manent Sorcerer soy SAGES Geter Set iteas estar ‘cuts. aS ‘of ILEA, as the largest and Through this maximum Tie ony vac acieg) Mont Shen CEX'at"s pant pense "cot"te eine sh es ear SSN ats pcre Omar wl tar pate Suppor behind a Labour Party to shift control of schooling London. Tory MPa. tis no eae pa one eet ee ites Soest pe Rie a ee eee eg

‘ol but is run by central diktat ment workers and service tion was announced.

Forty years ago the Palestinians saw most of their country being wiped off the map to be replaced by a state within which they had few rights: Israel. They became refugees in their own land. Twenty years later. in 1967. Israel occupied what was left of historical Palestine. the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Arbitrary arrests and imprisonment, the denial of basic human rights make up daily life for the 1.5 million Palestinians living under military occupation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. They have had thes lands taken away from them, and on this land Israel settlements have been built which now encircle every majot. Palestinian town and village. The economy has been wrecked: their population turned into a source of cheap labour for Israel

Ruled by a military admnistration, the Palestinvans have had to organise themselves to provide basic health care. The Youth and Students Committees have helped to build their colleges and fecreation clubs. In short, they have been organising to replace the role of the state they have been denied, and they have been organising to thwart Israel's attempts to grind down the occupied Population until they are prepared to retract them allegiance to the PLO and sign away thew rights 10 self- determination in Palestine

Twenty years of occupation have been matched by twenty years of struggle. The Palestinians refuse to bow down to Israeli pressure to leave Palestine. Neither are they prepared to accept Israel's autonomy plan which will effectively make them like the Bantustans in South Afnca.

The silent resistance has finally erupted into the most widespread. violent, and protracted rebellion to have taken place since Israel first Consolidated sts occupation in 1967 - only to be echoed by a massive mobilisation of Palestinians inside Israel in a solidarity general strike

Rarely. if ever before. has Israel seen such a demonstration of unity among the Palestinians within its borders. That this unity emerged in solidarity with the Palestinians outside Israel has demonstrated that Palestine can stand as a nation. The level of struggle that has been kept up for six weeks in the face of live ammunition. tear gas and mass atrests is a measure of the anger and militancy among the Palestinians. Unfortunately. the British labour movement has yet again failed to respond. In the face of the media outcry at Israel's treatment of the Palestinians the Labour Party has almost played the tole of apologist for the actions of Israel, while the TUC has temained silent, and is certain to want to continue in its close relations with the Histadrut

The Palestinian struggle will continue, and we must fight for the British labour movement to support them

Come to our meeting

Palestine Occupation 1948 - 1967 - 1988 Public Meeting by the Labour Movement ‘Campaign for Palestine Monday February 15th, 7.30pm Conway Hall, Red Lion Square Chair:

Jeremy Corbyn MP ‘Speakers:

Harry Cohen MP Palestinian Journalist NALGO Black Members

[1 ¥we wish to join/affil

for Palestine. Membership costs £2.50, unwaged £1.00. Affiliation for organisations £5.00.

Name

ite to the Labour Movement Campaign

Address

Please return to: The Secretary, BM LMCP, London WCIN-3XX.

Loni Laboiie Briefing No

ts February 10th: 23rd 1988 poge 3

Camden sets the pace in making cuts

meeting in decided to withdraw the Labour Whip from eleven Councillors who dared to oppose the Council's policy of euts.

The eleven had already been removed from all Committees where they held Executive authority, and the withdrawal of the Whi conti

The Camden Leadership argue that the eleven are refusing to abide by Group Standing Orders. Yet Right wing Councillors have refused to abide by Standing ‘Orders for years.

Camden's entire rate-capping

Camden

|__ Camden NALGO _| NALGO poised

Local Government round-up

By Steve Taylor Camden Labour Briefing

Sategy war desroyed by Aight sring Councilors voting against the Group and with the Tories ‘The curren financial crisis was panty. previptated by right trngersappeaiin direc 0 the District Auditor

‘No action has ever been taken

inst them; they continue to ‘hair Committees: hold. Group postions, and are" vociferous embers of the Group.

“The Whip was removed from te eleven for the simple reason tha they have opposed the cts

‘The ‘Labour manifesto in Camden “was quite explicit ‘There was a commitment to defend and extend jobs and serices, and that the Labour

NALGO

to fight compulsory redeployment

Camden Council is stil attempting to force comulsory redeployment onto 5,000 workers in NALGO.

‘At _@ union meeting on February 3rd. the branch ox ‘ecutive recommended that further negotiations be sought ‘ver a 72 hour period. Vet the pravious wesk ‘the union had Noted. overwhelmingly. for Strike action unless the Coun il withdrew a letter to NALGO Members threatening the sack If they. didn’t sign redeploy: ment agreements.

‘This is 2 climbdown by the branch leadership — although the branch agreed to strike at the end of the 72 hour period,

The Council ‘Leadership have conceded nothing besides @ withdrawal of the fedeployment letter” for 72 hours, pending negations.

Camden LGC have advised the Council to withdraw its

threat of mass redundancies, but it is unlikely thet the Labour Group wil listen.

"They are threatening to use Tory employment legislation to defeat any strike action, Clearly, other pro-cuts Labour Groups will be watching Camden very closaly.

‘Couneil Leader Tony Dykes stil insists that the com. ulsory redeployment isa Recessary part of _ their (suicidal) budget strategy. This is clearly untrue, with senior management in the Counc "already expressing song reservations. The Labour Group is even prepared to attack the closed shop ‘agreement

e's g positive step forward that after months of relative inactivity, the overwhelming majority of NALGO members are opposed to the Council's Fedeployment plans and seem prepared fo take strike action.

| __istington | One-day

strike

by NALGO

Islington NALGO went on ‘one-day strike on February Ath in defence of jobs and services.

“The strike was planned to coincide with the Policy Cony. mittee which was considering 28-10% cuts package ‘threatening at least 400 Counil jobs with devastating efects on services.

Most workplaces were picketed by NALGO members from early morning, and over 2,000 were out on strke showing their disgust at the Council's proposals.

‘At Spm a march of over 600 left Highbury Fields to lobby the Policy Committee. at the Town Hall. Speakers from NEA, NHS, Haringey. Fights Back! and’ Camden NALGO addressed the lobby. Demonstrators called for Councilors to come out of the Town Hall and address them

but none appeared

By Kate Adams Hackney Labour Briefing

When union members tried to goin to the Policy Commit: tee’ a heavy police presence Dareed their way to what was Supposedly 2 public meeting This led to much anger and eventually the police agreed to allow 50 people to go inside.

Te appears that” Margaret Hodge and pro-cuts Coun sillore now have to be pro tected by the police whenever lunion members want them to ust their actions.

Despite the protests. the Policy” Committee approved ‘the recommendations, subject {0 a number of minor changes. Now at least 400 jobs will be threatened and the Council is fon. a. collision course with

NALGo.

Councillors would ead the in ‘table confrontation with cental government

‘Labour Council in Camden had) never, sed would never. make Tory ‘cts. The eleven Mave stood by this promise, and have adopted the name of Mamiesto Councilors

Since Jone 1987 the Manifesto has become a dead Ketter in Camden, tn unison with thorn Consereatve financial Strategy, the Group leadership fave inidanted = Conservative political stratery

"They have attempted 10 divide the working class. a the ttade umons, NUPE were protised exemption from the most raconian cate they agro 10 Scppor the financal sree The more resctlonary volun) organisations were’ promised ‘Sohne funding # they ree Sito support the more radial Sotumary groups

The more conservative Tenants Associations were protised continued services if they fefwsed to support back. and Sthnic, mmorigy organisations fay and. lesbian groups, and ‘omen’s organisations

‘None of these promises have ever Been Rept, bul that was Sever the point. The purpose of the exercae was 9 divide the ‘working clase and the to atack Those workers and communities sro sernained in the forfro

Voluntary organisations which supported the leven have found ther funding withdrawn. Women's groupe, ethnic minority groups and campaign ing commontyorsanisations have al had thei grants cot — in some cases by 100%.

ALGO and UCATT members have cach received Givideat letters stating that Snles they sign a new contract ot employment. within tre Sweets the Councl wil assame That they Rave left tele Jobe — ieother words. they. wale be seked 5

individual Labour Pa members have been threatened ‘Tih ducipinary scion: anda Inember of the Local Govern trent Commitee has. beet ‘emoved by Holborn & St Pam fas CLP for voting pains the Cosmet’ patton poles

“The withdrawal of the Whip isto be sen inthis context. The teadership cam no longer jusiy their polices and must remove ef Cosel Avinoriic to making Guts 2imeS0% across the foard

ut other Local Authorities wil find themsetves in the same Jredleament over the nest yea. Group ‘eadeshipe attempt 10 Sience crncism, Sx oppostion and destroy resistance, we and ihe communities with which we align ourstves wil remain. The Group. Leadership might have Srrendered to the Tories, bot ‘wchavea't, and neither have the ‘Sorters and working class com unite athe “centre of andes.

Dear Briefing,

im its report on the current situation in Lambeth, London Labour Briefing no. 85 refers to the eight Councillors who fesigned Committee position in protest against compliance with Tory cuts

T point out that 1 resigned two months ago from being Chai of, Clapham. District Housing’ Committee, Vice Chait of Economie Activity and Emptoyment Committee and Labour Group Secretary for precisely the same reasons asthe “cig

‘Lam delighted that they have now joined me but would like 0 ~put the record straight.

‘Yours against the cuts,

Rachel Webb

Lambeth Councillor

Lambeth

Lambeth Council lock out AEU

The effect of Lambeth Council's lockout of ABU By Greg Tucker eee [ihicie workshop works has Lambeth Councillor Brian: The siike is about two intensified — with all Coun- issues — the Counei’s refusal co Sylvester: The next sage is to honour agreements, and their show that thir dispute is 'a refusal co negotiate around its Council-wide issue and increase polices aoe the support from other Council” The Council position on job previously refused an offer of workers: The AEU strkeig hav. culs is severe, They have not Emcrgency cover from the AEC, ing devastaing results — fore- taken into account at all the effavenomcomecap inhandask: ing the workforce to think - fect on service. They haven't ing to clear some cases, But about what realy is happening spoken to the people who get wiews have hardened — in the in the Counc. the services out tothe public TaccorihcCouscl eaderhip's We have tremendous support "honestly believe that they fefusl totske the sac serous (Tom NALGO, both financial have made a commitment t@ Tevand’ AEU. mass meeting 00 aso a pledge to ballot their themselves to-go along a road of Skid umnimousty notte ds embers for site acon, no nepotions, Thy ae no Ghesengy wart wide they mere Other manual unions have in. willing to. change direction in Stil locked out 2: dicated their verbal support But any way Both Noswood and Vauxhali at this stage, afler two weeks, it appears that there ave some Gee hae ovceuheiaingly say, WE ave having to ask those Councilors. who. have gone

fore’ the AEU member, bar uions. that this. support be along with Labour Group who Pabour Group took np note, Made real in terms of not just are having “second. thoughts, Management ‘had ‘refused. ro feSPecting our picket” lines, now sitting on the fence. You Ronours 3s hour weck and con, Which many of chem are doing, just cannot go around making SSidstion of onus agrecimen Wut also to see that the cute arc policies and having no discusSigned with the ABU. coming, bonus schemes are be- sion with the people who have The ABU i one of the 98 withdrawn, redundancy to put the policies into action. | surongest and most militant of Notices are on the way and that hope they will se sense and set the Counall unlons. If they con tbe) should join us and foree te this dispute be defeated then all the other the Council 1o halt their current _Splvester: We need to convince cuts would be that much easier Hts policy. members of Labour Group that Spay id There is a basic leadership once you start to go along the Ina parallel move, despite che problem with the manual trade policy of cuts t will never Sop. public pledges that there wil be usions and there has not been We have to convince them to 25 redundancies, the Counc 28 guidance to their members. join with the trade unions and Leadership has setinmotion the THY are not really aware of ot aftack us as they ate cur-

ako apresd to ball forallot fi a —] _ fat wend see ee Sine cnc ay eee Pa cee gage po ae Bs seers eae pier Soatetiee So 9 mae

Housing cuts repelled by workers

The cuts package agreed of Housing with an ultimatum management again forthe

by Hackney Council's to withdraw the cuts or face a flats. However. it voted Labour Group on wsikout of all housing staff, almost_unanimously to. take December 16th. included immediate strike action if any

further cuts packages were proposed,

PE aie This excellent victory, the Hees NUE NS cca ee tare been gained by Council

quite severe reductions in By Ke the Housing Dpartment. BY Keith Veness

Amongst the cuts were the closure of six “ares bases’

ton of 13 reception wore: On Monday January 25th, Geen gnc,,tme, Sone jobs st central headquarters; within half an hour of 8 100% py: . ‘mobi petra” emergency package was withdrawn: and ean NUPE see NAIGO ot Gining of fobe at's Disc negouetions on athe pro. STA Te ement of “and Stnces peasis” won ‘made to he suppeet tovm rowel workers Suirageousiy, he package Grsors most of whom, ee ice see rocael coving (wo. User menten ouerd o MEE he ee Te ate

additional assistant director suspend strike action, but 10 workers" convenor, Fred. Ln Dosts — presumably to work boycott all lettings until the find wae "weesent oe Om

Out more euts packages! “Eastway Housing associs- hegotiations (© give manage, However, the final straw tion” of the Housing Cheirhad mene an extra pressure to set

was the exposure of a pian by been disbanded. te, Such unity between dif

the Chair of Housing ta launch "The Council's Housing Com- ferent’ negotieting rcups 16

2 bogus Housing Association mittee met two days later and, Vital

Of himself and selected chums following intense lobbying by ““e'The support of the ant:

to take over tower blocks on NUPE Stewards, passed & cats Counclors, nied sinh mk estes and convert them Councilor “Brynley Heaven, Fightback wine ved pee Into shortfe fursshed ets for the Housing Chat, fortus pari gar toaek wha helped to push

{emis "thus preempting fiasco: Waled fore abana. ‘™gemformation items for us Tory schemes in the "new ment and forhousing stato in sve'atere naaes 188

‘jon mass mecting of 500 rect turer cuts wil fot bo housing stat fom NUPE OF. “The Council Leader subse. enptad’bes otf stares sft ficers end NALGO teach union query assured “NUPE ho torPhere'e soe wen hss roughly SO%membershn ould abide by his vote. cant array suse oe Se

bby both sets of proposals that NUPE/NALGO meeting has serve as on example to other it voted (with only one voted to lift the lettings unions ~ both in Hackney and against) to issue the Director boycott and accept direct London-wide

London Labour Briefing No. 88 February l0th-23rd 1988 page 4

Feb. 3rd NHS Day

Striking for the NHS'———— | Tower Hamlets) Ealing [Barts

kept a noisy and good In Tower Hamlets — where ive support at lunch time, bor Ealing Hospital came out We started off by going to. The Westminster nurses. humoured presence at picket Igcal campaigners have iad not been able to ake strike on strike on February 4th 10 Downing St; and there said their strike was fan-

ies on Wednesday, with recently been having success " = helping to tun the Day was no one there. So we tastic. We met one nurse unprecedented displays of jg forcing the DHA not to of Action into a went up {0 Trafalgar (from Westminster) who solidarity and support from = make cuts — four NHS i Square, because we heard said some nurses have

Nurses throughout Camden

MPs_ Peer

the pal Pas ciohad picketing ay S8Q and Mikred “Gowdon here ere (eer combloeds changed 19 CORSE. apd Atthe Royal Freemurses were ay Se 5 ee aes of Charing Cross nurses g0- organised strike action all

join bs doctors beonsng <2 “*S’ pe London Hospiat = RALCOM UCN. ”sd Teas ing here Within the matter of a few

the Medial" Practiioner! uichattme “meting “Ge the Counc’ ‘Labour, Pasty hen we got there dif- days,

Union who. alike the more picket fine was atended ‘by rembers, Councilors, and four ferent hospitals were arriv. We are. worried about

ome ee tee mane, Gs deal BHA member were aoe ing all the time. We don't public opinion so ws think Nurses cheered hundreds of WOTKETS, catering staff and sent to show support = now who organised it was really gt that

Camden NALGO and UCATT BOTT. The speech therapies, A large delegation wat seat because all the posters were Hackney NALGO came out

ripped off the noticeboards on strike with us. at St Ban's, Two RCN members from

We're in the RCN, but St Bartholomew's, —interwe're in favour of changing viewed on the spontaneous to a different union. NUPE march which atrempred (0 had a meeting and called the go down Whitehall to strike action, so they tried to. Downing Street, but when

‘members who marched to.aral- 9 st Se

ly outside the private wing of nk ee guise qhe private wing of “The Post Office workers from Hamlets DHA, personal

show solidarity with the strikers

crit ameter got Paddington

the local sorting office came to capacity

Nednesdas's action isto 88 The initistive came from : do the most stopped by the police march tional "srske action and the OPE aaes wet come weed onto the buses to iestet "Hanwell Gus Garage went We need a better organis- ed tnstead down the Em. mood wat one of determination NUPIE nurses y ‘fev pescangers snd ms! on hal-dy ate. cd campaign, perhaps witha bankment to Parliament. Toe efight the Thais CONSE support. Stent ware” taking. large "There wes spontaneous. ~ Screed "sernment bundles of leaflets, At times, march made up of rurses

Te acsde ihe Midaiewe . Were not able to Support im picket was'fobes by or: Eeeneene. Sy eo a er ee Support in Hackney IMimidaign and caion Union ring, but akhough mgwwes and'docor” NAUGO ond GMB spporing

ot union activists: Bo the pre they had to cross. the The Campoign Group ot 500 people marched tothe : e

for the stupilest! manasemen! picket lines they were Labour MPs were also there, Town Hal, and despite ‘The NHS Day of Action saw suisse and this shou now be Instustion ef the Ja} toes 0 Sympathetic to tne action, represented by Jeremy Cot’ warnings from the police Council union, Hackney bull on by Hackney NALGO ie Elizabeth Garett Anderson, yn, Two of the Westminste: toting them not t0.600.-NALGO, support the Dal Jist aking action in suppor

pps deiner Sea shop scnard wat i Af dey tre were et ast COtnaitorn, Helen Gate) pep merched Sect tothe, ReaiNwekers 69 aldng one

structed ot to attack patients 200 on the picket lines end it Sng Linda Julian, were both hospital, tetering the hospital v present — celebrating thei lash! Chopra, TU

Of other workers but also. in Gefence af its own jobs and ser day strike action. vices which are currently under

While John Moore stated 11 P0PI@ came and went 8 8. COT ctony the day before. Representadve, OHA ei a eres ae paler hae neta Many furses came out in sacaty Beales ene personel capacity) supporters from other unions The day's action was very

‘ster North's Labour Pariamentary Candidate in the last General Election. was also

about what today’s action is - ‘about," there was no doubt in the minds of the nurses. A

their Minch break and. there were many people on the picket ‘line’ who had. never

{gathered forarally on the Town good. We just hope

ewishain Bop nares res Gres

Seeker. etating: Sie, NEBaars: zen on picket duty before. rae jomerton Hospital brought luite a few nurses have told nthe Sears were “Open up, Meme, Soverage was, good Hither Green Labour Party Homie” of Siar en come out ever some RON ‘We're on the frontline. I's Hospital Beds!” ‘Cur ith the TV present aii day. joined healthworkers healthworkers. Atthe end of the members were on strike ihe government a Poy "and “Conditons for Po oy Rospital on the morning of {ost Bartholomew's Hespial io We need as much support t's us that discharges patients Wesitnworkers”. ae Sa ae Ae 3rd. support the healthworkers in a 8 we can get, so we we homelessness well before their ,,,7he*® was, strong support “"A'toaimn worker said theday One of the nurses told —_‘unchtime picket. tonya y

‘Passing through Hackney and NALGO joined us. We were

from bus and postal workers Dalston shopping cenites and on strike because we need.

from pam, 2nd Bestel MORES had been so successful that us:

time, {1's us that see the pain

ea the agony of lone waning 27 there wore local gover. Stuer scuon was being cow "This hospital is su alton shopping cenres and On sth heceuas wa need

Iss, sho see patients sine &t The picket ine sidered and a particular target under threat of closure. ‘Sieranc support ffom ihe our accommodation, and Our

home actully in piysical pain Te wore sym- W95. the budget on March Today we hope to show pencil publi who gave the patients are suffering, ‘Never, mind the emotive Cregsed at all. Nurses ware in- Kerry Leach support of our health all along the route. NUPE member, St

stories oF young babies, there port o ong the ute ne oNUPe mem are ako old people and people service. The Ds esiderable Bartholor

re becuse ot gs aringey NALGO branch orgrnced

ment That's why we're hereon Qyee'SOO health workers tra Widdlesex about why they 2 march from the Town Cc dd itromling nd scsez0'° Coot setion in Harmgey, weeiauna coke scion” Hallfo Lewisham Hospital entral Middlesex

organising pickets at the

icone Retr badkiceax, "the morn the Hoth Serve Bloomsbury. Health Authority Anne's hospitals. mean we have to do organisation, there was a © NALGO) met separately. with

has budget shorttall of £13 Healthworkers wete joined something and we have Tony Benn, Dennis Skinner well attended picket at Cen- only the NUPE branch officers Poe clusion of Ces Of aa plosat ee PY COURS naive pie sipror for and Heriot Herman were . tral Middlowx Howphal it RI) cate, cael ag “88-89 — in reality @ stagperin for kee ne bag t among* many supporters: wk Royal, + London. strike, but NUPE. and COI

(19%) nurses short. saiTiag iM’ pospital, which has faced cut the patients much Jess harm — COHSE nurses here one Brent Council lorry turned & well as some, ambulance The DHA bats already closed was particularly miftent. Har- who has created fong waiting “London nurses _ action, Striking nurses and admin *

OD beds sinve, 1982. and thes< ingey Health Emergency has tists and is starving theNHS of striking for 24 hours on workers with NUPE, COHSE AI precnt ne joint, union

hospital. This would result in he. eee ecause | ine given by local Labour Party oer) ech Somer time official, However, many

the loss of a further 600 acute ingey Council (ied by Toby down just because of today. members. Southwark ther labour tavemen hospital workers recognise thar Js John Moore ccally suse the ghout’ cuts in the health widespread action. we need Southwark Pensioners Ac- ‘Within the hospital, decisions th svicomings in thes

Buses for kee it service!) |. the support of the TUC, tion Group and FAB oh support for theday of action organisation for the future

Mary Helsdon nurses Louise and Cathy from _defence of the NHS.

& y tand & Education Meeting

i Wednesday February 17th, 7.30pm United Against Gutter Education Fight Assembly Hall, Lambeth Town Hall Prsciptaly eumtlead reno is a tad 6 Friends’ House, Euston Road

Stubbs, like 3 lot of the top of Steve Bawa ficels,has now tendered his resignation ~ announcing that

Continued from front page End of British Tour London Meeting

er organised by

ILTA. members have been Bagge nei sional Committ belloted on further sirke ac Benoa Se" og Gb wun ine separieremerriem tenga tion and the ILTA Council has Science under Kenneth Baker! estinion Students Backed support for one joint —Sqnce under Kenneth Bake! Organised by peer igs bese day of action on March th embers’ shopped telving on Trades Union Councs e Abbot MP. Glyns d which would bring together all friends like that and got out in- = workers in the region faced tq their localities and build a Sueatham Labour P; Defend London's Ec detail a qe hehe Sa with cuts in jobs and services. campaign based on action. c AS a on C wrenittes oe Inside the Labour Party. fast London Teachers 7 wards and CLPS. should be Association” <M conumcton Ealing on their LEA members wth Tower Homiets Lb, ———— nat to Siifodien oy ik 2 Parties,recently built 3 lobby - join in the bulding of a united Gf seme 300 against the ont 1 fom fn he balding of a united of some 300 egetiet oe “opt Save Hackney’s Education pint aboton iS the sort of campargning that do ce - LOBBY Ip to now members has to be done. i i haverelledon peopletike Chet "Tigris nowhere for REA e : London Fire and Civil Defence Authority

Education Officer Bill Stubbs gmyloyees to nun, Our bs ate

fo present WEA's case to onthe line and we heve to 292 jab los:

government: Stubbs advised fight ILEA members should be February 11th, 1pm onwards the government not to Bresk joing usin that fight, na fr i a ‘ Up ILEA but added the rider fig Baker's ammumntion at us Sp, i ees County Hail, London SE1

that if they intended to do it “ir hasnt heiped them avoid s they should act. swiftly. the crossfire,