Labour Briefing no. 83

INSIDE:

Solidarity for the Docks

Trade Unions swing into.action

*Section 28 tour

The Arts and the left

inside Brazil

*Comrades remember Paula Watson

As NUR leaders are the first to obey the courts

DEFENDTHE

RIGHT TO STRIKE!

i Mr. Justice Simon Brown, an unelected Those found wanting must be replaced.

boss Margaret Thatcher an entirely "appropriate tenth anniversary present.

He granted London Underground Limited an injunction banning an indefinite strike by London Underground workers set to start on Monday May ath.

By K. JONES

Meanwhile management will ruthlessly drive home their plans to abolish all protective agreements on the Underground, give their new breed of first line managers (called, believe it or not, “Centurions”!) total power and smash effective union representation.

Privatisation would then follow. The union has followed Kinnock’s line and stayed within the law; the full-timers have safeguarded their pay, pensions and cutprice mortgages all at the expense of the ‘membership.

‘When it's a question of pay, management and the courts are prepared for a bit of give and take, But when the ranks say no to restructuring, as on the docks and in the offi-

» cial Tube dispute, that challenges Management's “right to manage”.

| Especially in such disputes the law will

have to be defied — officially or unofficially.

Labour law is only useful to the employers

- asilong as itis complied with. Over the last

ten years it has been defied by miners,

printers and seafarers — but unsuccessfully.

They were left to fight alone.

Leaders at all levels of the movement — many conditioned by a decade of defeats — will be put to the key test of defying the law.

see Sete of Tube workers" ots and condi. tte also a blow to the mounting struggle of all transport workers.

Even more importantly for the many

roups of workers currently balloting for inGustria! action of various kinds: this is the first time the courts have declared Illegal a primary strike against a workforces own management. Previously the judges have confined themselves to undermining striking workers by outlawing “secondary picketing” and solidarity action. Now the very right to strike Is under threat.

The only means of defence — to defy the law — Is the test which will be facing many union leaders over the coming months. The record of the NUR leaders in facing the political executors of Thatcher's antl-union laws should be a lesson to them all.

Voted

The majority of the leadership of the NUR voted to comply with the High Court order, and trampled over the democratic rights of the 12,000 members of the NUR and TSSA who had voted by seven to one and two to ‘one respectively to withdraw their labour.

Justice Brown had made a correct political Judgement that faced with this calibre of opposition he could with impunity make the law up as he went along. He sald he was forced to take a decision with insufficient consideration of the arguments but was comforted by the likelihood of the case going to the Court of Appeal.

In other words, call off the strike, demobilise the workforce and the union fulltimers can pursue the matter through all the

courts in the land. Each time we'll rewrite the law and generate more fees for the junior members of our profession.

Labour Briting No. 89 May10th-25rd Page 2

Letters ——— disarmament, which by defini-reqnite the whole manifesto: Es Wewidwattonetieleer | Shopping — gatutsitwnteeuy seeern mis ES Je Hated from under chs! round for ‘And its nonsense 1 suggest ing our options open go as to = et that there will ever be OppOr take advantage of mulilateral, 5 = E===| We are talking about tunities for multilateral of bilueral, and uslateal oppor” || Suliniam, which Thave ways | @ POUCY bilateral disarmament — if teauce it wins inne eeeh eee S| wnderavod isacounicrsevels- | Dear Briefing ieoiskamsingly tapping = eee =| Sooary force —a blockage on | | The Seatchi and Saatchis in sincewehavenocountrytober- -On public ownership: “We : : IE thao ae nme commioe | Si ee canna” me. Auiifelmnonecometosng. Sher arcmions ove = oe ; : 1S to take ndvantage of mull : Te Ee IMEERE | Won sccently peered by get (at the motion doe tht Inter iar nd ster S| of Slam wy do cy nt | cad on the Labour Paty plordcrisontorate—aier occa ie the vi == | ciesty spell out instead Of | to abandon its unilateralist than jus the two: when do we "-Ontrade unionlaw: "Weare = __| Sheffling about with “lesser | pojicy sothat aLabourgovem- getridofauclearsubsand when leaving our options open £0 a5 en g cram tueisnowayin | MoM cond take advantage of SowegetsidofUSbucs. to take advantage Of mull; 7 Li famy view there isnoway in | opportunitics for “multilateral, But that is all by the way. later, bilateral, and unilseral E_| rich povelar wonking cis | tinea, and unser dim since the mation war just for. oppontnte that ise in the h S| voltion cm manent as they arise in the in-_ mila for saying “we're not trade union tation” Sareancrtic intention and | (ea een perenerioec ( —— : Of course it's nonsense to Many must be wondering Yours fiatemal End this fe wot cmtinianin of emt taly in vou | apse that wehaveto wal for why ty did't think ofthat Alo eadbeuer” aoe Atari or ere aane Om | Sopportnitis” for enteral formula before. Why, wecould Stoke-on-Trent for socialist in the Stalinist, commdesin he Saini tex | — Are the Tactic (which a casual glance _ Athougha number ani mouthed states. It would be interesting to. Nohalf-way houses, please: it's at the ‘Don't Register’ head- Poll Tax unions have been 4 hear the views of the Russian the worst of all worlds. mass line would seem to imply) set up in Brighton, the left lesser-evil Socialist Clubs, Solidamosc, Dave Spencer, would be a mistake. has consensually decided 7 ‘Charter 77, and so on. Coventry campaigns The pre-condition for suc- that we are still not in a posihalf-way Fens ies toss conbtnet ico paig: consti conregiskation — Son toigve adit pode equivocal and mealy-mouthed i campaigns is obviously the collective back up neceshousel Soles mane What about | iSolated? — sae PccinSive involvement sary when ene has face fail to see how any socialist in community based cam- breaking the law, being

Dear Briefing, can do other than condemn | Child porn? Dear Briefing, paigns. fined, etc.

Unlike the Briefing Editorial without reservation the role of Iwas interestedtoreadon It was right that Briefing Other anti-Poll Tax camBoard (see Briefing, no. 80) I Soviet troops in Afghanistan. Dear Briefing, the back page of Briefingno. fought for a non-registration _paigns in other areas of the believe there isevery reason for Atleast ne million Afghans | In Briefing no. 81, Jane | 81's Poll Tax Notes the campaign in the lead up to country might have made & socialists to celebrate the are dead and five million made | Kelly argued against ban- | headline “Don'tRegister”. the sending out of the _ different assessment of the

withdrawal of Soviet troops homeless. Villages have been

from Afghanistan. bombed and napalmed by ‘What the Editorial fails to Soviet forces and much of the

mention is the effect on country’s fertile land laid to

socialists and the working class waste.

in the USSR and Eastern Yet our Editorial speaks of

ning pornography.

But there is under British law a ban on pornography involving children. Should we call for this to be repealed? And if not, why

In my view, there needs to be a further discussion ‘amongst Briefing supporters about the tactics for opposing the registration process.

For 10 advocate

potential in their areas, as is made clear by recent coverage in Briefing.

But we should be aware of the obvious dangers that exist in building mass non-

registration forms.

But | feel we should now be in @ position to make some assesement as to

tactic has any milage or not

Europe. ‘Brezhnev intervening to prop | shouldwe draw afundamen- | the tactic of individual non- in our localities registration campaigns in “Dissident” groups there _upa weak, pro-Moscow regime | tal distinction? registration, ratherthanother Most anti-Poll Taxactivists isolation from everywhere eet npeae cove cane as ree | Yoursctoony, imuaace of Getptg a Shee) abcd eae niii cee! withdrawal from Day One, as _perialist incursion. ‘Campbell McGregor, compilation of the f, @ decision on this; we cer- Steve Smith, Seater eeaiotera. Watiemictedonike! | .cormny, sm universal nacre tiny have in igor: Brighton Kemptown CLP the Mayor, Camden fiance orel ea . invests in otCamnden! Contact Briefing Apartheid por died te at Camden AnttAparthels Grandnetpatorapen. | 900 Club Winner bel eeriniacea tans

‘Send snippets and info to Greg Bassett, Periscope Column, Labour Briefing. PO Box 457, London SW2 SUZ

Quality Perera gt ee Street: ‘saying:

i wwhat Labour Leading to “iithorities have got Skid Row to be able to show

is that a Labour government working with trade unions will put consumers

We might have missed ‘the publication of a new Labour Party policy document last first ‘and will not Weeks had it not allow itself to be Gebateians by the ier ycc ete ee Municipal Journal. — ostrictive

Quality Street em- tieca, speeia phasises the need to Sgccements and spe-

pracy

“put the customer cial favours done first in local penind the scenes government sez- forthe Labous vices", and hasbeen party.

Beer he iE Nev | Realise cautiously — by policies [sic] are free-market pres~ fot pursued, Labour sure group The {n ‘London local Public and Local

government will be a

Services Efficiency femory.”

Campaign. one day perhaps, the

A less cautious wel- "New Realists will come has been given wake up to Reality. by Organising We can only hope Secretary of the LCC it's before May and Camden Council- 1990.

You can fool all of the people some of the time, but ‘obviously not all of the people at the Times. You can, however, baffle them quite considerably.

How? Just stick to plain old methods of class analysis, and, it seems, bewilderment will reign.

_Sameone give these people a copy of the Marx for Beginners...

through the regkter of Shell shares.

The company is high on the Anti-Apartheid Movement’s boycott ist,

What a surprise tofind that 316,950 shares with a value of £3.5 million were registered in the

Such a large investment ‘could not have taken place without the knowledge of the Leader of the Counc ‘ony Dykes).

And if It had been done without his knowledge, this is surely a scandal

It’s funny how once these so-called RANDOM number generators get an idea into their heads they just won't let go.

Neville seems to have decided it’s time a man won the 500 Club prize draw again — but has opted, for the second draw running, and for the third time this

year, for an Oxford supporter.

Lucky winner of this week's £25 prize is the holder lof no. 308: B. MacKeith.

For details of how to join the Briefing supporters’ 1500 Ciub, write to 39 Talia House, Manchester Road, London E14 9HB, or phone us on 01-809 3927.

Please send all articles, correspondence and money to that address too.

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Briefing Summer Raffle

Ail Briefing supporters and supporters groups should by now have ordered their supplies of raffle tickets. You've got two short months of HARD SELLING ahead!

Don’t forget preferential rates are availjable, so that you can raise funds for your local Briefing group as well as raising money for Briefing’s move into, and equipping of, Its new office.

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The raffle will be drawn at the Briefing |AGM:'on July 15th." ” ‘

Labour Brieting No. 83 May 10th-28rd Page 3

Editorial

Ten years on: time to stop the Tories

‘The decision by Jimmy Knapp and the rest of the NUR Executive to bow to the decision of unelected judges rather than support the democratic wishes of their own members is a blow to the whole labour movement.

The decision by the High Court that the tube strike would be illegal effectively threatens the very Tight to strike.

In the Miners’ Strike, the Wapping printers’ dispute, and the Dover seafarers’ struggle the Tory anti-trade union laws were used to stop the solidarity action and the spreading of action.

In the case of the dockers and the Underground workers, the judges have gone one stage further and declared the original disputes themselves illegal.

‘The reason judges have dared to go this far is simple: the New Realist trade union leaders have ‘obeyed them all the way so far, while Kinnock & Co. have offered no challenge in parliament.

In calling off the all-out strike action supported by a7-1 majority of Underground workers, the NUR Executive has shunned the opportunity to key in to a rising tide of militancy and resistance to the Tories’ policies.

Rail workers, dockers, bus crews, BBC staff, firefighters, and engineers are all currently balloting for strike action against attacks on their standards of living, working conditions, and

bargaining arrangements.

Pay offers of 7% are being in the face of official inflation rates of 7.9% and an actual rise in the cost of living of nearly 19% for mortgage payers, as Thaicher’s “economic miracie” tums out

BRIEFING

to have been a mirage. taken in defence of living standards and working conditions.

The response of London Regional Transport to two days of unofficial action in pursuit of a £64 per ‘week pay claim has been to offer £30 per week and two weeks more holidays to the train drivers involved.

Despite the stringent productivity criteria attached, the offer shows the power of collective action to win concessions.

‘Success by any one group of workers will spur others into action; while co-ordinated action could yet tum Thatcher's ten year celebrations into a wake.

Policy? Review?

At the time of writing, details of Phase ll of the Policy Review have not been made available to us — unlike other members of the press, but very much like other members of the Party.

Nonetheless, their likely content is alll too plain.

Unilateral nuclear disarmament is ditched. Silence reigns on lesbian and gay rights — and on nuclear power. Secondary picketing is definitely a no-no. And the House of Lords is to be “reformed” (not saat oe po es tad Som

At the cruxol the Policy Review les ts retreat from any radical critique of the market or any commitment to the principle of public ownership.

In one sense, then, Kinnook is right about it being a historic document — and one that will hang like a millstone round Labour's neck for some time to come.

But if the Policy Review was really meant to be an attempt to update and modernise Labour's

programme (as opposed to an attempt to convince the ruling class that Labour is a “safe” alternative to the Tories), it must be counted an abysmal failure.

Precisely because of the globalisation of finance and production in contemporary capitalism, the advent of new technology, the world ecological crisis, and the severity of the crisis of British capital, the Policy Review's old-style obeisance to the “mixed economy” and the permanence of market forces and its faith in “regulatory” mechanisms, however dressed up in the latest rhetorical rags, is already an anachronism.

Capitalism’s latest re-shaping of the world has made public ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange more relevant, more urgently néeded than ever before.

This does not mean the bureaucratised Morrisonian monoliths created by past Labour governments. It means a sweepingly democratic, bottom-up management of the country's resources in the interests of the majority of the population.

Itmeans matching those resources (above all, the labour of the country’s working class) to social needs.

tt means removing the dead but heavy hand of private capital from telecommunications, car manufacturing, aerospace, shipping and ship-building, housing and transport, pharmaceuticals, oil, gas, and coal, as well as waler and electricity.

This is the vision — radical, practical, powerful — that Labour should be holding out to the millions upon millions getting more fed up with Thatcher's Tories by the day. and more willing to take action

Ofna Paty Fviewera have elie foigoten or never known the prime lesson of past Labour governments: you can't control what you don't own — and you don’t own what you can’t control.

Economic Notebook

C.0. hits Wall Street

The sad tale of junk bonds and LBOs

Other key witnesses are likely to include prominent clients of prestigous New York inves- ‘ment bankers Drexel Bumbam Lambert's junk bond depart- ‘ment, which Milken headed ‘until automatically suspended pending his trial.

Michael Milken, deposed king of the $180 bi U.S. junk bond market, ‘was one of the architects of the record $25 billion RJR Nabisco leveraged buyout last year.

He was charged at the end ‘of March with 98 counts of insider trading and securities frand.

Milken is a former associste

By Dave Palmer Hornsey & Wood Green CLP

Many of the charges against Milken sre under the sat-orsganised-crime Racketecring lnfluence And Corrupt Organisations Act (R.LC.O) which allows the govemment to seize the alleged proceeds of crimes and defendants incomes before the trial.

It's expected Milken will be asked to lodge $500 milion bal vith the soar

The U.S. government is demanding $i:1 bilion worth of salary paid to,Millken by Drexel Bumham between I 32 1987 andthe retarted

‘Amongst the against Milken are that he taded on insider information in takeovers of MGM/United Artists and Occidental Petroleum, manipulated stock prices, and cheated clients.

‘Much of the case against Milken is based on information provided by Boosky, who is asIcing for his own three year seatence for insider trading to be ‘cut because of thisco-operation.

Boesky is expected to be the

chief prosecution: witness:

Milken has plenty of supporters in Wall Street. A cheering crowd of dealers grecied him outside the Manhatten ‘court house when he appeared to plead not guilty.

Already the cry is up for the repeal or reform of the RLC.O. statute. The outraged arbitrageurs point, with some justice, tothe political ambitions of the prosecutors involved. Former New York district atomey Rudolf Giuliani won public prominence and popallar acclaim for his sucessful Mafia prosecutions and pursuit of ‘Wall Street crime in a city ‘where graft and corruption irinstiutionalised and endemic to alllevels of society.

Guiliani resigned last Jamuary. His successor, who is handling the Milken and the Marcos prosecutions, is ex- ‘pected to announce his candidature as a Republican in the forthcoming New York mayoral elections.

‘The ramifications of the

Drexel Bumham itself appears to have got off lightly. thas agreed to pay S650 million for breaking securities laws; to be subject to “administrative probation” by the Securities & Exchange Commmission the US. Stock market watchdog), and to a $350 million fund 10 compensate investors “injured”, by Drexel’s violations of company law. Millen is believed to be personally worth over $7 billion. In 1987 alone he recieved $550 million (about the same as McDonald's post-tax profit that ‘year! in salary from Drexel. If convicted ofthe racketcering charges under the extremely punitive R.LC.O. Act, Milken would be additionally liable for fines of nearly $10billion and up to 520 years im-

‘The Justice suse

of the draconian R.LC.O. is

SAE

Lory

“And | thought RICO was just another breaktast coreal..”

authorities to ensure the financial system is better able 10 ‘weather any future deflationary shocks without any major defaults — which could induce ‘a general crisis of confidence.

‘Similar bolstering has already occured in the Savings and Loans industry (similar to building societies) which the US. Treasury is bailing out to the tune of $150 billion.

‘Next sue, Dave Palmer looks atthe wider Junk bond marke, ts role Im the recent round of leveraged buyouts, and thei tn

plications for the US economy. ‘on LBOs from

tive patasite geting his just deserts.

Since the 1987 crash there has been growing concer over the stably of US. financial sector and its uncontrollable Tevels of debt.

“The junk bond — uty wn productive by application, high Fiskby design and backed by no tangible assets — har come 10 symbolise the more bizare exesses of the U.S. financial markets and the vacuity of the “Reagan boom"

“The Milken prosecution is « limited aftempt to rein in the wvlder fringer of the capital markets :

itis timid stem by the S.E.C. and other Federal

Labour Briating No. 33 May (0th-28rd Pags +

Campaign!

lrish Year of Action

Leeds irish in Britain Representation Group Leeds Troops Out Movement Joint Public Meeting

TWO STRUGGLES;

ONE CAUSE

The Irish and Black people’s fight against British state repression Wednesday May 31st, 7.30pm West Indian Centre Laycock Place, Leeds 7 (Rear of Trades Club) Speakers:

Ali Hussein Leeds/Bradford Black Activist Dave Kernohan Chairperson, Leeds IBRG Janet Clarke Broadwater Farm Defence Campaign; Tottenham Three Defence Campaign Wolde Selassie

Leicester TOM

-Both commuities came as immigrants seeking work.

-Both suffer poor social conditions (bed housing, high unemployment, low living standards.

*Both communities suffer with physical and mental, problems due to their standard of living.

-Both are at the receiving end of racist abuse and racist attacks. Remember the signs which read “No Blacks or trish Need Apply”? They face “humour” {that racially stereotypes Irish and Black people as lazy, stupid, and violent.

~The Troops Out Movement and the Irish in Britain Representation Group both believe that the of Irish people in this country are a [consequence of the partitioning and occupation of in the North of ireland. The recent haemorrhage of Irish youth abroad shows the [continuing effects of imperialist interference In Janother people's country.

*The only solution is Troops Out Now: |Self-determination for the trish people as a whole. ‘Irish people have to be kept passive o face the lconsequences of the racist PTA laws, or being made fa scapegoat and framed for something they didn’t do

(Birmingham 6 and Guildford 4).

Black people have to be kept passive and face the Intimidatory SUS laws and also face being made | scapegoats as @ warning to others (Mark Braithwaite, [Engin Raghip, and Winston Silcott — the Tottenham Three).

CONFERENCE The Position of the Irish Community in Britain and Ireland SATURDAY JUNE 10TH

Manchester Town Hall Organised by Irish in Britain Representation Group (Manchester Branch) Speakers include: Ken Livingstone MP; Michael Mansfield, barister; Fr Des Wilson; Maurice Moore, Tom Walsh, Fr Joe Talte, Tony O’Brien, Virginia Moyles. Discussion Topics include: Prevention of Terrorism Act; Irish Youth Emigration; irish Women in Britain; Construction Safety ‘Campaign; Birmingham Six Campaign. The Conference will be formerly opened by Graham ‘Stringer, Leader of Manchester City Council Full programme available from IBRG, c/o Grassroots ‘Books, Newton St, Manchester 1

Socialist Conference

MAY

Sat. 13th. National Convention for Democratic Rights. Contact: Mike Marqusee, 01-341 9203.

Sat. 20th. Glasgow: Local Conference on Socialist Alternatives to Labour's Policy Review, 14am, City Hall. Speakers: Bernie Grant MP, Hilary Wainwright (Socialist Conference, Women for Socialism), Scottish Campaign Group MP (invited).

Sat. 20th/Sun 21st. Local Government Conference. Rochdale (provisionally). Contact Tony Trehy, 7 East View, Mitchell St, Rochdale OL12 6SF. 0706-526624.

JUNE

Sat. 3rd/Sun. 4th. Gorbachev & the European Left. Conference, with Eastern and Western European speakers. Oxford University Conference Centre. Contact: Gus Fagan, 30 Bridge Street, Oxford OX2 OBA. 0865-723207.

Sat. 17th/Sun. 18th. Third Socialist Conference. Octagon Centre, Sheffield University.

NOVEMBER

Sat. 14th/Sun. 12th. Building the Left in the Unions.

Refugee Crisis

Kurds need urgent support

By Jim Thain Hackney North & Stoke Newington CLP

June 3rd-4th

‘St Cross Building, Oxford University A conference to address the major policy issues facing the European left in response to recent developments in the Soviet Union

and Eastern Europe. Organised by the Socialist Conference ‘Sponsored by:

New Statesman, Tribune, New Left Review, Critique, Labour Focus on Eastern , Labour Briefing, Socialist Worker, END, Campaign Group of Labour

MPs, the Socialist Society, and CSE. CONFERENCE THEMES ARE:

DEMOCRACY AND SOCIALISM With Tony Benn, Ludmilla Arutunyan (Armenia), Ernest Mandel, Edward Batalov (Moscow), M Lazic (Yugoslavia), Z Kowalewski (Poland), Teodor Shanin, Norman Geras, S Maliqi (Kosovo), L Arutunyan (Armenia), Steffi Engert (German Greens), Olga Wwanova (USSR).

With Diane Elson, Edward Ambartsumov (USSR),

Wiodzimierz Brus, Chris Harman, Branko Horvat, Ken

Coates, Catherine Samary (France), Andre Gorz, Kate Soper.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS With Yegor Yakovlev (USSR), Luciana Castellina (Italy), Tariq Ali, Denis Healy, Victoria Brittain, Alex Callinicos, Fred Halliday.

EUTURE OF EUROPE With Otto Latsis (USSR), Julla Szalal (Hungary), Oliver Macdonald, Peter Glotz (West ny), John Palmer. Prior registration i seating space Is

Oxford

Will your school be worse off?

By Richard Hatcher Ladywood CLP

‘Three hundred and refugees. sixty-eight Kurdish ‘Their stuation ie refugees have arrived desperate. They are . ; sleeping on the floors of in Hackney, fleeing the Seepngon te : in churches,

repression of the rset otiosd Turkish state where yr 250,000 have been "A Kurdish Refugee imprisoned and Support Group was set tortured over the past upon May Sth by the eight years. Kurdish Workers

Turkey is pursuinga Association, the Halkevi, policy of deforestation, Kurdish Cuitural Centre, destroying villages near —_and other community the border with iraq and organisations. forcibly resetting the ‘They have issued an inhabitants. More urgent appeal for the refugees may wellbeon following items: money the way. (cheques payable to

‘The 368 have been given Kurdish Refugee Support

toiletries and towels, access to bathrooms, security stewards.

‘The KRSG calls on all labour movement bodies to provide whatever help they can. Offers of help, etc., ‘should be addressed to:

the Kurdish Workers Association, 531A Kingsland Foad, London E8, 01-254 7558/254 0442;

-Haikevi, 92-100 Stoke Newington Road, London E8, 01-249 6980;

-Kurdish Gultural Centre, 13 Stockwell Road, London ‘SW9, 01-274 6251;

3586, co HIUaU, tL Rerty Hol, 408 Kingstand

Local Management of Schools is on its way! Every Local Authority (at least outside inner London) is producing plans for how they will allocate the money to schools.

‘After consultation, the “formula” goes to the Department of [Education and Science for approval by the end of September.

LMS is then to be phased in over three years starting next April (inner London a year later), though most Local Education Authorities (LEAs) are already running pilot projects.

‘Check the plansnow forcuts, before the consultation period ends. ‘There are three main things to look for.

‘Is any school financially worse off?

In Avon's LMS plan, inner city majority-Black primary schools will lose up to 15% of their budgets. In Birmingham's formula, ‘many working class schools are worse off.

‘Aller the formula or increase the global sum sono school is worse off

How is the formula made up? What is the LEA including inthe up to 10% that itis allowed to keep centrally? And how is the rest decided?

Of the global sum allocated to school located according to pupil numbers, age-weighted.

‘The remaining 25% or less is allocated according to criteria decided by the LEA. The most important of these should be social class — working class schools should get the most money.

Ts your LEA taking up the full 25%, and is it skewing it as much as possible towards the schools that need it most?

‘Some Labour LEAs may use LMS to redirect resources to midle class areas to discourage opting out and buy votes.

‘What will the LMS plan mean for teachers, cleaners, dinner workers, and other school staff? Will contracts be worsened, hours cuts, jobs lost?

‘The resolution on LMS from the Socialist Teachers Alliance passed at this Easter's NUT Conference shows the way.

It said that unions need to be preparing now to negotiate with

school governing bodies to adopt, as a minimum, existing

LBA/union agreements and negotiating procedures, and to make ‘clear that the altemative is industrial action.

‘Road, London E8, 01:249 6930.

Labour Briefing No, 83 May 10th-23rd Page 5

Trade Union Briefing

Dockers start to ballot

Todd spreads political confusion

Dockers have at last ttishardtoseehow such Only the continuation of _ TGWU officals have been begun balloting for policy could be successiul. the Scheme can defend the busy speling out o the dockstrike action. Itlays the dockers open to jobs and working conditions ers what working within the “The ballot result, which divisive manoeuvres by the of both the registered dock- s Istikely to endorse the call_employersandplecemealo- ers and the 30,000 nonfor action, is likely to be _fersin individual ports. registered workers whose known by about May 24th. yages and conditions are The political problems of linked directly tothe Scheme boycotting % a y winning an sitout dock By Alan Thornett Wil Todd's loyaty to Kinnock bo stronger than hs loyalty to the

strike, however, remain : What makes Ron Todd's ports; en; ‘ unresolved. Trade Union policy even worse is that itis semen Nee

Many stewards, however Briefing 2dvanced for the worst pos- switched, there are meeting in Hull on May 6th reluctantly and for various sible reason: to try and avoid ik hundreds ‘of unregistered heard reports from a number, reasons, now seem to have conflict withthe law. ports capable of handling a of Support Groups which accepted the Ron Todd No port employer is going The courts have just damaging amount of i. have been set up and Zialthough there are to give guarantees equal to declared illegal a London It is crucial for the whole planned activities. divisions and debates aver those of the Scheme, al- Underground strike ballot trade union movement that Some have already conthe strategy insome ports. though they may make which was directly over the the dockers defend the tacted the ports nearest to

here is to be no ‘illegal’ empty promises designed to actions of management by which would equally be Scheme — butit them, made twinning arranaction in defence of the Na- confuse the issue. inventing technicalities con. classedas secondaryaction. cial that they win, not go gements with dockers, and {ional Dock Labour Scheme, The port employers can- cerning the wording of the A dock stike run along down in gallant defeat. fixed up meetings for them to which Transport House has not conceivably concede ballot paper. suchiines, with striking dock address. already written off; anything on the workers’ They would have no dif- ers required to stand back ; These initiatives need to

“any strkemustbe against control element of the Dock ficulty with a strike triggered and see their work done by the whole labour movement be multiplied many times the Port Employers forretus- Labour Scheme, wbich gives by the introduction of Bil into” others, would be a recipe for has an obligation to give the. over to build the kind of suping to replace the Scheme dockers one-for-one repre- Parliament — whatever disaster. dockers full support —start- port movement which will be wih one offering equal con. sentation fn its controling hoops are jumped through Althoughnatallcargofrom ing now. needed once the strike ditions, bodies. by the TGWU. the Scheme ports could be The Solidarity Network

British Rail - All out now! © ‘scutmemresion

eek taki naeees es aia, TS £0 cane

ground and buses prepare st national level. Local and abletonegotiate pay and condi- strikes have been « disastrous

Ber strikes, British Rail is regionalrepsarenotscenbyBR tions atpresent dealt with atna- experience. ; tito under threat of in, ‘© be union reps and local tional level, by negotiating with Workers doing overimecan- By Comrade Boris the train driver, ee uiaction; ‘branch officers have no direct the manager of each function. _not be picketed. A recent over- Trumpton Depot

ri avec the cure Sots tOmanagenent ‘Workersinthe ame grdein time ban with the Signal end

Tran out of date machinery theme depot, but working or Telecommunications woke, : rent pay claim aad Bridsh ion SP EDR Giffoent fomployers” will deque aimaeave vor fori. Disgusted at the ASLEF 's record in negotiations

Rail’s intention to end the (7o°.ats would tum the clock feceive different tales of pay dustrial action, resulted in deep with BR, branches across the Southern Region

Sires leaped Back to the days of the private and conditions. Givisioos, lors of members toa ave called an overtime ban and work-to-rule for sant ge nd Sraytence. Tilway companies. This is no BR has already begun this sab onion, ‘and ultimately in two weeks in May (8th-22nd).

aie BR Board (BRB) has of sogprise, since the intention is process with an attendance al- complete defeat. ‘Over the past ten years, overtime has grown to such an

even per cent to the Preparing the industry for lowance paid to London snd extent that in London:

Lenya ly ]ow ivatiation. South Bast staff. Drivers who Prepared scrivers work a 12 hour day, seven days a week (and comGawie pleyfsency have come up from the grade of ‘mute from the home counties)

avalible te uso, in pur By Toni Matthews eeapr gonna Peco oon Sa “two-thirds of earnings comes from overtime and other

Pete: te Netowsl Usion. of NUR deivers. preparedtogoforall outaction. _ “safety is increasingly ignored as profit becomes all impor-

ees Bates (NUR) lw Co seas ecasieer Paes ettmaret oes

Gor increared prodestviy io “Locally, each grade will be Acseptnce of BR's proposals particular, have remiied in « Father ut, the problem ie not quit 90 acute — ye

fitngpectone representedby only one wp (in- Without a fight will lead to “no” vote for strike action As a result of BR's lack of a recruitment strategy, stead of the present four) who Privatisalion and a complete But themood has changed. drivers are over 55. The numbers retiring over the Will bave tor “negotiate” with erosion of conditions and pay: _ “BR workersseecomnadesin years will far outnumber any new recruits

Eee Tranagerment on herfhis own. which would be a huge defeat therestofthetranspor industry BR's answer to these problems has been to introduce a

Moch has teen made of the, individual grievances, which forthe wodkfore. taking action; they know thisis crash training programme — one year compared to the old exh has been made of the at present can be discussed at The thee main unions con. the sight time three year minimum.

ySis- Qhrcommittee level will only cemed, the NUR. the driver’ =This will be the fist ballot Most drivers are refusing to co-operate witht, butthe union

nal technicians before the ede ibyleaimmage, ton ASLEF, snd the cereal seceJinmy Knapptockoe'o leadership's potion hes ean o acco witly everyting Bee aime te cneontege With no possibility of issues union, TSSA. have met ‘each involve ali NUR members on the management come up with. TAB cing taken up by staff reps or other nationally, but that is as BR and not just one grade or _ Most staff recognise that we are now in afar stronger post

(sso yao = referred upwards. far as it goes. depot. tion than we have been for years.

cies and eoping ay Low. At reioal evel sues will “With be ightcampsign snd if we can link our action up with the Underground workers,

eco ae Tatait me to not be discussed automatically Response ‘goodaltemative proposalscom- bus drivers and dockers, and spread it to other regions, we ig are the norm if staff are to TT's tocar issues will not be Ing from the unions, members _ have the potential to bring transport in Britain to a halt — and

‘eam somewhere near a living fo¢eq at all. At local and _Aunited reponse scems un- will be convinced by what's at _ win back everything we have lost.

wage. 5 are ‘epional level, where thereisno likely. ASLEF do not appearin stake. But BR's refusal to budge on Orr il favowr of changing the pat The ion leadership thinks

pay is nothing compared tits jthogse its position after 14 machinery (which mitthem.2s differently. Jimmy Knapp suid

proposals concerning the i=! = = 0 =e represent only ove grade) at an open mecting of rail papetiaing machinnsy. Pritish Rail have no 10 one that directly represents workers, “Ask not what the proposalstomake-on bealth and the unions: and anyway NUR unjon can do for you, but what

System seiey reps althooghikepresent and ASLEF are locked in 2 you can do forthe union.” fituationcontravenesthe Health membership war. It’s time Knapp and the

‘The present system includes and Safety at Work Act. So All-outactionnowisthe nly others realised that they have oval committees with ataffreps mochforbeingconcemedabout viable response. But NUR sp- done very litle for milworkers

‘who negotiate local conditions; safety! pear to favour an overtime ban in the last few years. If they Tegional committees for The national structure will and one day strikes: a recipe for campaign forand call an all cut problems unresolved at local disappear. Insicad BR have disaster. strike, the members will be Tovel and fegional issues; and carved up the railway into five One day strikes are divisive there. If they don't there will be national bodies dealing with sectors — ready for privatisa — members cannot be united no membership left. The choice

pay and conditions. tion. and organised as in an all oot is theirs

Labour Brifing No. 83 May 10th-23nd Page 6

Trade Union Briefing

British Aerospace

Lobby keeps closure battles separate

By a British Aerospace worker

‘Over 1,000 British Aerospace workers lobbied parligament on April 26th as part of a campaign against closures and job losses.

This campaign was initiated by the British Aerospace Combine Committee, and is now supported by workers at Royal Ordnance and Austin Rover — two firms the government recently sold off to Aerospace at knockdown rice:

Hardly a week goes by without the closure of a factory ‘owned by the combine being announced.

With the surplus land Aerospace says it owns recently revalued at £1.3 billion, mostly from its recent acquisitions, asset atripping is now the major profitable exercise for

‘management.

‘Combine Chairman Roland Smith is well qualified to lead the exercise. His ant-workforce, anti-union incinations were first sharpened when he took on the Silentnight workers and then the Senior Coleman strike.

‘Although they are officially carrying out a joint struggle, every closure is being tackled separately, as the lobby showed.

‘Tilt Rover Llannelli was sold off as a going concern was seen as a ‘Victory’, as is the fact that Royal Ordnance Bishopston is being kept open with a reduced workforce and with speed-up.

‘That loyal Ordnance Patricroftis closing, butanother small {factory is being built on the ste, is also a Victory”.

«caThe other places listed for closure prjob asses aren't even Tientioned, because this would entail discussing a joint netional fight.

‘Allthe speakers at the rally before the lobby of pariament talked about asset-stripping, but none of them gave a real lead.

Bryan Gould and gn looked to @ Labour government ~ wich wilnet on worere bing son Sutted. Jack Adams and Jack Dromey, TGWU officers, also

restricted themselves to criticising the lack of consultation. ‘Avery powerful lobby, on a working day, ended up with; hot air. Aerospace workers should now demand the unifying

of all the sections in one Combine Committee and that such ‘2 committee should discuss industrial action in defence of jobs.

TGWU Conference

Battleground Brighton

By a TGWU Conference Delegate

‘The TG WU'’s Biennial Delegate Conference, the most important of all this year’s conferences, takes place in the last week of June in Brighton.

For the first time in many years the right wing are making a ctermined effort to reverse the TGWU's progressive policies; while the main concern of the Executive isto avold embarrass {ng Kinnock.

‘The biggest number of resolutions centre around unilateralism: 45 in favour, 20 against; and 13 calling for a ballot of the membership. This will be the most closely fought battle, with Todd having to make up his mind where he stands.

‘There-will also be battles right down the line over all the changes the Labour Party leadership want to make with the Policy Review.

Many resolutions oppose anti-union legislation. Some attack the Policy Review, and three call for defying the law.

But the Executive's resolution simply calls fora Labour govern- ‘ment to bring in positive rights. Where was the “lft™ on the Execotive when this was agreed?

(On Public Ownership, the majority are in favour, but several call for a change of policy.

Of the 30 resolutions on the Poll Tax, several cal for nos-impltotnion anno payment bt ve cll for staying within the

On industrial matters, there are a lot of health and safety resol tions, and strong resolutions on “blacklisting”, “Quality Circles”, and E-T. Many resolutions deal with the NHS.

‘There are very few resolutions on intematicoal issues. A couple call or Troops Out of Ireland and some support “Time To Go", but ‘iost support the ICTU"s campaigns.

‘There area ew resolutions on South Africa and acouple on Palestine (calling for recognition of the PLO and questioning links with Histadrut). There are only three other Intemational resolutions.

‘Another major battleground is the state of the unioa itself: the lack of women delegates; Black Sections; and the manner in which the membership should be consulted during decision-making.

With most of the Conference decisions having a bearing on the struggles of the TGWU membership and on the fate ofthe Labour Pasty Policy Review, every day of the Conference will bea bale.

‘But what will hang over the Conference will be the dock strike (however the leadership have handled it by then). the possible se- {questration ofthe union's funds, and how the membership will react, ‘The dock strike isthe T&G's Waterloo.

AUT Executive fails the test!

For 15 weeks now, mem- management had some moncy bers of the Association of available for a pay increase. University Teachers have They have consistently refused

ees be deapele oeer to.pay it, or even talc about it = ‘* PAY "Oar action brought 2 partial

= success when Kenneth Baker, ahersaying nomore money was

BySteve Reicher _svailable, released extra funds

Exeter AUT, omaha

AUT Broad Left Derisory

Paitin = ‘The Vice Chancellors then

Sarees maka ia Se oe ee Seo eee atictesicains mage Itiated atotal exam boycott— Instead of throwing this out, exams would not beset,iavigl- the AUT leadership lost its eo See netietige See

the Tory goverment, and our With the leaderthip hinting a ee Sneaet Seoacer either

(personal capacity)

tion, its hardly surprising that AUT figures show that the ‘many memberslostconfidence. VCs could setle the dispute Brea on, by 59% 6 47%, Oo © They are postonging I the offer was rejected. hopeof defeating the AUT, with The next day the Executive theaim of then pushing through votedtochange the action:now x complete restructuring of tre should vet exams bot not highereduction, mark them. Secret

‘While this was only a recommendation to Council, the General Secretary spoke to the Already a group of VCs has media as if the decision had had a secret mecting wit been taken. This confused Thatcher in which they dis memberseven furtherandmany cussed how to “open up univereven began to hand in exam to market forces.” qoestions. It is up to each university to

insist that their VC seeks a na-

Ratified

tional settlement. The AUT ‘must mount a major campaign

1t was hardly surprising that toshow that the VCs donot repthe second emergency council, _resenttheinterests of education, con April 22nd, ratified the AUT mus alo widen its acchange. This mast be acknow- tion, combining with students edged as 2 setback: bot the andwith othercampusunionsto blame for the dispute continu- campaign fora properly Funded

ing must be laid with the Vice system of public higher educaChancellors. tion.

Fighting for democracy!

NUPE’s bureaucracy relevantly!) of NUPE’s has shown its true Militant dominated Broad colours again as it con- Left. tinues its fevered rush _ Hewasstanding asan x to defend Its New Scitive Comoll candidate and broadcasting the Broad Realist chums in the fy oa eur nominate an alLabour Party. temative to Tom Sawyer for NUPE’s Deputy General Secretary. NUPE claimed Steve had

By Sally Morawetz

Branch Chair, stolen branch funds; but the

Nottingham City out Scene To ee

NUPE (personal _over, and that Steve had

capacity) acted in good faith in arranging an overdraft to Keep the branch ticking over.

‘The bureaucrats have This case was more about

been forced by the High bureaucratic dirty tricks

Court to back down on against left oppositionists

thelr outrageous decision than about money.

to ban Steve McKenzie in Edinburgh there was

from holding office for life. further manipulation of the ‘Steve is Secretary both of rule book to stop militants in

Bexley General NUPE action.

Branch and (perhaps more The Edinburgh No 1

No to unemployed

slave schemes! Model resolution:

This (...) notes that the Transport and General Workers Union Community Programme Shop Stewards Commi tee is organising countrywide strikes on June 15th against workfare schemes.

‘We also note that in December 1988 over ning million workers went on sirike in Spain against YTS; the result ‘of which was that the Scheme was scrapped.

This (...) therefore resolves to support the day of aotion/national strike called on June 15th by:

«joining the rally in London at 2pm from Camden Town Hall

helping to organise local strikes/stoppages and other ‘supportive actions as appropriate;

-make a donation to the TGWU Shop Stewards Combine/The National Campaign Against Worktare.

‘Donations should be sent c/o Tottenham Unwaged Centre, 72 West Green Road, London N15. For further details ring ‘Mark Metcalf at Hackney Trade Union Support Unit, 01-249 086.

Branch Secretary brought an emergency resolution to a tiny branch meeting (25 people — branch size

|, without notice, to ban two NUPE stewards —_ Activists from Briefing, from being stewards and SWP and Miltant have from attending branch meet- called a regional Broad Left ings for a meeting to cover NUPE's

“Their “crime” was involve. East Midlands division — ment in the anti-Poll Tax Nottinghamshire, Derfederation, continued public byshire, Lincolnshire, opposition to NUPE national Leicestershire and Norpolicy, and continued —thamptonshire — on SaturGenigration of NUPE nation- day July 15th in Derby. al leadership. Details follow!

‘The stewards are confi _ NUPE comrades outside entthat informed debate on _ the East Midlands should call the fssue in a real branch a Broad Left meeting locally ‘meeting will averse this dis- and/or get your branch tocall graceful anti-democratic on the Broad Left nationally decision. t0.call a national conference.

Many of the NUPE left We have nothing to lose want to st activists’ but our chains... and Tom

Broad Left — one which Sawyer.

NUJ Left

Conference Saturday May 20th,

10.30-4

NALGO Building,

4 Mabledon Place, London WC1 {8 mins. Euston Station}

Opening Address by Tony Benn MP (NUJ member)

Followed by a discussion on policy resolutions and organisation on the Left Topics include: Statement of principles, Individual contracts, Anti-union laws, Media freedom

Attendance costs £2. There will be a pooled fare sysitem. If you wish to use a creche, please let us know in| advance.

To book in advance write to: Kyran Connolly, 213 Harvist Road, London NW6 6HE, tel. (day) 01-377 4889. (Cheques to “NUJ Loft”.

‘All NUS members are welcome. You are invited to ‘submit resolutions or discussion material, preferably in addvance to'allow fot duplication and circutatior

Labour Brieting *lo. 89 May 10th-23rd Page 7

Trade Ui

Council staff pay offer

Push NALGO leaders into action!

Local government white ~thescrappingof grading ap- bers are rightly cynical about lot for industrial action. collar workers haye just peals beyond the local thistactic, having seen one-day If this ballot is lost, it will be

been offered 6% payrise. employer, strikes agnnstae-capping and the third time ina row, and will

Saeed ae deter theponsbility oflocalvaria- Metropolitan Council abolition give a green light to employers Fee ree ~ tion of weekend snd shift work- lead nowhere. fo attack conditions, pay, and weet there ure strings at, inghoors and rales. ‘Already some NALGO union organisation.

Se So far NALGO, along with branches are supporting an all- Islington NALGO ix organis- (ached, te ether unions, has rejected out stike as the only action that ing alobby ofthe final national the offer. an ensue the claim is met in mecting between NALGO and

By Fred Leplat ‘The strings seem tohave har- full andthe strings dropped. the employers to demonstrale

Islington NALGO dened he union leadership’ sat- the srg of fsingepsnet totes. Bur they might accept ict pay and “exit”.

Tr docs nothing forlow paid slightly improved pay tse if ——_ ‘This should also be used members-40%ofallAPT&C tome of the strings were So far, there has been Title campaignforanall-out strike as (ite collar) staff fall below dropped. publicity and no support for S00nspossble afterthe ballot. the Council of Europe's decen- ranches facing Councils like Estoy of Psy cy threshold of £7:723 pa; but Ballot Southwark, which is breaking obby of Pay the strings represent the greatest away from some ofthe eational Negotiations {hyea! te cocdiions of Comeil ALGO is preparing to bal- conditions. It has alrcady [ORDA ENE TENG aft lot in June for industal action unilaterally imposed perfor aa hari

“These include: jinJuly. ButNALGO hasnot yet _ mance related pay. , 9.30a1

annual increments relatedto said what industrial action it ix vital that the NALGO [LECCE

formance: tees neces leadership steps upitscampaign Prrmatlonal gradce to be" Onrdey kes will not heat so'esto give conden too onto oe NALGO onthe rubbish heap" — the aftermath of yt ancthor abolished; cf this allack. NALGO mem- membership and to win the bal- 2 single "Day of Action”. At least placards are biodegradable,

tions NHS White Paper Regan for General ~wianchester gets moving!

Secretary! The nomination period for the General Secretary position of the NUT, Britain's largest teacher union, | Health workers from all Stretford Constituency Health Emergency, a num- for Health Authorities to beis now well underway. three Manchester Labour Party has already ber of activities have been come democratic, elected Indications are that Socialist Teachers’ Alliance can-| Health Authorities "decded to alffiate — even organieed sround the White bodies responsive to local didate Bernard Regan Is gaining support throughout the | joined forces on ‘2ugh the affliation forms Paper. com. haalthneeda:andtor atutire innietry. sentray May ath to enotyet printed! fentral Manchester Com- Labur government to refuse

ee munity Health Council of to reappoint any Health SorHe has received amassive vote of confidence from London | picket Junior Health ganised.a conference on the vice manager who has been

members, with saven out of 11 Associations backing him so

far. [posal Roger By Geoff Ryan — of — = actively implementing the

‘Support is not restricted to London, nor to other | Freeman. NUPE Stewar which was featured on the White Paper proposals. mmotopoltan areas, A wide goographical spread of nomine: | Members of COHSE,tM© —enteat lal tevin news. ato plantar Gly Counts tions is emerging —ranging from Plymouth and West Dorset | Medical. Practioners Cent ry successful public Policy and Resources Group

eo ete carenten retorniiehnoary. | Sena ee tee ieee cml sare coments wi aetaee 1 tc a ie Domara | NUPE—sswellasmedical — Hospitals Branch Chowcatt warned othe postion fo the While Paper supported at the recent National Conference. erccppusmon "othe threats the White Paper and wil if necessary, fond

itshows they are now preparedto backhim as future leader | White Paper. poses workers’ pay _ local referenda onopting out.

of the union. Central Manchester and conditions. “The fight against the White Tres current leadership, after their setbacks at the Con- | _ The lobby was the fist ac- HealthEmergencyintendsto Keith Bradley, Labour MP Paper has only ust begun in asa es aula be wanted by this cheng. tion organised by Central leafieteveryhouse incentral for Manchester Withington, Manchester, but itis already

/sfes ialvopeteins He orgs. sembership are | Manchester Health Emer- Manchester and wil also be called for all hospitals that obvious there is a potential

well uate of the lnouse ot stake-ond ere fet going to be organising mass lobby of opt out to be brought back foramassive campaign. The

sidetracked by spurious arguments about an election being the June meeting of the District Health Authority Tories are going to be faced

famaging” tothe union. Health Authoriy. contol wihahed ighttotngerert ‘Alongside the setting up of He also stressed the need their attacks on the NHS.

CONFERENCE Tentouttopatonts by Orsi Walker ot Crossroads Surgery, Swindon Which Way Forward for the Dear Patient, cient user of the limited funds money must pay for _ list sizes will inevitably lead to Left in the Unions? f ess eel teaed darerpn easel peroneal

Tam taking the unusual step Thenewproposals will intr- result that [would often have to dividual patients. A national Conference for the left in the ‘of writing to you, because I duce cash limits for all the ser- treat you according to the —_In the interests of economy,

trade union movement organised by the | Pelieve that the changes vices I provide (for drugs, _ money vailable,ratherthansc- it will be necessary for me 0

ese proposed to the NHS in the hospital out-patient appoint” cording to your need. “hop aroand” for the cheapest

Socialist Conference government's White Paper ments, X-Rays, blood tests, This will inevitably mean hospital treatment, This is like-

Tes seae wane oe meet ek the grip of New Caring for Patients will, if m- etc.) s0 that when the money that some people. particularly ly to mean that you the patient leal tor S 1g Som fory be disastrous forthe runs is >, who those“ re" with willl have to ‘count

Ph pn ferglomoee toes do plemented, ou itis I, your GP, expensive” patents to travel the country

Isjrity of patients will have to say 0 you freatest medical need, will not for your treatment. to reassert the relevance of the trade union movement | ""("") the main waysin which "=I am sorry, you can't have be able to obtain the treatment _Itmay well bethat you would

for the 1990s and discuss a socialist response tothe | [think youas, will be af- maar ‘should have. radi . Gog se cemira ee Taehtes tren | lnhre bare een eet I eo ak eek ne eee ‘and reorganise and start to come to grips wth the ‘Although the White paper is is attempting to shift the blame ing to change the way that GPs _ cheapest hemia repairs, or to Political issues involved in this. entitled Caring for Patients, for underfunding of the NHS © paid, so that it would be Plymouth to have your varicose

Sheffield Polytechnic Student Union there is to be no extra money from itself to the doctors. necessary for me tohave many veins treated, etc.(...) Building provided for the NHS. ‘At present, as your GP, my more patients in order to main- —_ isa ne oes of the ‘or ovement st preset only Gucem into provide you. tiny peat income anger which the goverment

November 11/12th spends {eason healt cre than rth the bet xvalable tat This is a secous backward proposes tomake.(..)

£6 waged; £4 unwaged ‘other country in the EEC, ment according to yournced. step, as Landevery other GP1 [therefore urge youtoprotest

For credentials, and to book creche places, writeto | Sad tis imemaiomlly known "Under the new propomls I know, already wosk hard to strongly before tito lnc. a

| The Socialist Conference, 9 Poland Street, London | that the NHS (and in particalar will be responsible for trying to. look after the patients we have, ‘itis you who will ruffer if these ~.. WAV 3DG._ z general practice) is a very-effi~ - ensure that « limited amount of- anda.significant increase in osr'- changes are brought in.

Labour Briefing No. 83 May 10th-23rd Page 8

The Arts and the Left

Forward Culture

Forward Culture is

based in Runcorn. meen topeice By Karen Merkel

advice, assistance and Newham North

promotion of the West CLP

performing arts,

principally through

Creating new initiatives Publishing; contracts; the

and campaigning for Promoter and the agent. improved provision of Atthe end of the course,

cultural facilities and the participating bands had services. the chance to spend a day

Forward Culture ina professional studio to priotitises people whoare «make a track for ademo unemployed, single tape. parents, young people and ‘The WEA funded the people with disabilities. tutors, the County Council

‘The main activist behind _ paid the students’ fees and Forward Culture is John Merseyside Arts paid for Beddows, former music the administration.

fieldworker for Merseyside Larks in the Park was a Gounty Council large-scale event on the However, a lack of 1988 August Bank Holiday funding has meant that wookend. It featured 22 John has been doing his bands covering Jazz,

work with Forward Culture Country & Wester, Foik, voluntarily, an arrangement Reggae, Pop and Soul which is not likely to go on Weost £4274 and was forever, and one on which __ funded by Merseyside Arts, such a vital organisation Halton Borough Council, should notbe dependent. Cheshire Arts, and Forward Culture’s reports uncom 21st Birthday stress the econor Committee. importance of the music In the community it was industry in Britain today: seen as a very positive *Over 26,000 people are initiative, though Council ployed directly and officers seemed to remain indirectly in the music uncertain about the value industry and over £4,000 _—of the event. milion was generated in Forward Culture would 19886. like to follow up the music “Over 67.4 million singles business course with a with a value of £76.1 milion more advanced course. and 52 million albums with ‘They have purchased a avalue of £140.6million tape copying machine with were sold in 1986" which to enable bands to Locally, they stress the copy demo tapes and value of bands working therefore promote together, party because themselves better. this produces greater To encourage variety of product, partly co-operation, they have because itincreases brought together a audiences: roadshow of eight bands.

“if they all have their own They hope soon tohave a Ite audience of 50, 4 PA system for hiring out, a bands together wll bringin _porta-studio and crum-kit audience of 200...” es

They aim to get people to fOr @ community music ‘position where they can Worker, and are exploring fearna living. They point out the idea of a high-tech tour that there are a lot of jobs of local schools to help:

created around anyone __-YoUng people expand the podgireatage Use of electronic keyboards. Lael a However, Forward aera Culture cannot develop

Their two main activities much further while itis recently have been thei ependent on goodwill and Music Business Course, voluntary effort. Itneods and Larks in the Park. investment in its facilities,

‘The Course was based staffing and premises.

iss teahiconuee tattooed Ris only one of many ‘musicians needed musi projec rin by and ‘equipping with new skills for young people, up ar and information to move down the country. Few get beyond the pub circuit. the suppor they deserve,

‘Over ten weeks 20 This desperately needs bands studied the studio to.change ifthe voice of and how it works young people is to be Promotion and distibution clearly heard

(both from a DIY Forward Culture, 2096

perspective); radioand TV Seneschal Square,

promotion; the press;the Southgate, Runcorn,

manager; the lawyer; WAT 2SG. Runcorn

record companies and 715979.

vase aes TATOOS AEST Forward Culture describes itself as:

“an umbrella organisation with the main aim of offering training and support for young musicians and artists, hopefully opening up employment ‘opportunities for economically disadvantaged groups

and promoting cultural activity in an area with litle popular entertainment on offer to young people.”

The Arts are nota inal issue!

Why should socialists be interested in the arts? There are, after all, so many other priorities. Even the most confirmed ‘opponent of cuts cam someimes be heard to muse that maybe some services are less

ing of festivals or of books? ‘Yes, we should be thinking of festivals and books, and of 2 great many other cultural activities besides. However, it is ‘understandable that some comrades see the arts as peripheral, because of the way in which they are normally presented.

By Felicity Harvest Hackney South and Shoreditch CLP.

Th the mainstream media, we are treated to debates about ‘whether a certain exhibit in a London gallery (which only a

ing of some major institution.

“Thiskind of arts debate iscertainly not interesting!

But the arts pages of the national media are very far from covering the whole spectrum of the arts we should be concemed

‘One season is the power of the Arts in catching the imagination and putting argo tents. This can take = namber of forms.

‘Anseanbe ured astooisto Iostate socialist message — the creation of banners, the development of songs to rally propaganda orin poster design.

‘They can also appearin more mundane settings, The public Tibeary on the strect comer isa poteat tool for catching and ‘inning the imagination, iis Properly msed

Ste

The Ghamel4 TV peducion oA Voy Best Coup sproadtne otranmet wih esse 0 than abot oven fore wisely tan he readership of he orginal paporeack

Instead, Labour Local Authorities are all too busy closing down these facilities, or displaying in them, through some concept of “faimess”, all kinds of reactionary material

‘One Labour Council recently allowed the CEGB to have a “right of reply” exhibition in its main library on the benefits of ‘uclear power, to “balance” its ‘own Nuclear Free Zone exhibition!

‘The ars also form the basis of the recreational activity of an astonishing number of people.

‘The majority of the homebased entertainment available

via television, video, cable, and satellite depends in some way fon arts skille and practices — even ifthe connection with any kind of creativity is sometimes very hard to spot!

If we do not give our atiention to the development of socialist form and content in the arts, there will never be anything to balance the endless flow of transatlantic — or an-

still immensely popular, especially with young people, and audiences have been growing. for several years.

PHOTO: Ingrid Gavshon

‘Asthe Arts Council are fond ‘of saying, more people go tothe theatres than to football smatches in any one year.

But, in addition to all this spectator activity, there is an ‘enormous amount of partcipafion in the Arts, by all kinds of people seeking everything from therspy, to relaxation, to the development of cultural identity, to eaming a living.

This kind of arts. activity never gets any attention from the media, which concentrates con reviewing works that people vwill never see, rather than ting out possibile activiti

Wor

work as a community dance worker in my native region of North-East England. My teaching, ‘choreography and performance work is based ‘on the New Dance techniques of Release and Contact Improvisation.

For readers not already familiar with New Dance, 1 ‘will give a personal definition of itt

First, what it is not. It is not about special gear —leotards

Labour Briefing No. 83 May 10th-23rd Page 9 = The Arts and the Left

Libraries

Culture on the corner

The government Green This last year has seen

saper the closure of St Pancras

eke cs By Barbara reference library, the oncerary a

oe th i Bampton innovative Strathclyde service (introduced in ampt - seca Rat February 1988), was Wimbledon CLP (rary system org = greeted with many small sites in indignation from left inner-London Labour and right. developing our libraries? Boroughs. There are more

Seven thousand In the course of attacks of the way. institutions and February's debate on Itis at its peril that individuals protested that Clause 124 of the Local Labour overlooks the orary services should Government and Housing educational and cultural remain free and should —_Bil, some Labour MPs needs of its traditional not be contracted out. spoke out. supporters.

Jeremy Corbyn called for The reading and cultural

“We have one of the “library services of allkinds demands of the working finest brary systems inthe [tobe] declared free for the class can only begin to be world," wasa phrase used benefit of everybody.” met by the most vigorous with pride by Labour and David Winnick commented and outspoken defence of Tory alike. on the “immense cultural

But what is the truth and literary contribution behind this bipartisan that the library service had the poorest areas of the thetoric? made to generations,” and county.

‘Atthis moment, many mentioned self-education “The dominant ideas of a publiclibraries are being —_—_via the library system. society are those of its squeezed to death by But there were nocries ruling class. How is Labour Thatcher's deliberate from the Labour benches _to impose its own, very starvation of funds to local denouncing the wanton different perspective (and government —particularly destruction of library its own version of history) it~

3 10 services not deemed services taking place at this _it closes down or allows to

a moment, such as library be closed the very

=| "The Ministerforthe Arts closures and cut-backsin channels of alternative

? ison record as saying that hours. information, reading and

| his aim is to provide a Perhaps this silence was knowledge which are most

| better service forthe same prompted by the available to its supporters?

| money, orthe same service ombarrassmentof knowing "Asis too often the case,

2} forless money (Hansard, —_that.itis in Labour Local while local voioes are 82.80). ‘Authorities that some of the raised in protest, the

But where is Labour's ‘worst attacks are being silence from the Labour ‘own commitment to made. leadership is deafening.

Using bannors to ustrate a socialist message.

which people can develop to _If they try to obtain public The Tories have gained the suit their own needs. funding, they come up against high ground in the last decade Tn these pages, we Took at the climate of New Realism, when it comes to defining ca three kinds of cultural activity, and cats in Local Authority tural norms and practices. through adescription ofamusic funding. Socialists can only win this project in the North West, 2 _ Theyarealsothetargetforall ground if we are willing tocontritque of Labour's policy on Kinds of prejudice from Council sider what we mean by culture, fibraties, and a personal wate. members, particularly if they and how we can develop it

‘ment by a dance worker in the fe youth projects. ‘There is no reason for us to = North Bast. There could have accept an elitist view of culrure

‘been many more, similar ar _Ifthey try to be commercial, and the arts.

ticles. they often find it extremely dif __IF we do not work to create

‘These kinds of activities are ficult to raise loans or obtain our owm means of cultural exunder threat from all sides. If premisesbecause they donot fit pression, we will be stuck with they operate on a voluntary standard ideas of what a “busi- other people's till the end of basis, they toooften bum outthe ness” should be. time.

individuals involved, and are Ifthe left ignores coltura is treed with want resect. mesitwilbetoitsdeviment. A

politics of New Dance is | ay eerste : ‘ing for change ae CeRaiies a

pose | KNEES iat

Hiss beating down sept preps SET EQUAL barriers through touch and the and ideas. aa

By Ange pe ee ee NCH: EUs

Kennedy through the body.and about “contact” and “improvisation” V Clb. CLOSED

‘Tynemouth CLP not being afraid of what we Dep ; Ty . “Traditional dance promotes with the sexual politic ofthe 2 oR, MINDS u3 traditional values whereas body by de-enyatifying bow :

New Dance challenges those we feel and talk 2 pain, or feeling “the bum”, values in a very radical and Tthelps us to understand the 3 feclinginadequate, orleaming political way body, while building great 5 steps. ‘The method of teaching is deal of physical trust in one & itis about enjoying umhicrachical and questions another. 8 movement, and discovering or the physical stereotyping If we can incorporate this = rediscovering ways of moving promoted by the offen very same undcratanding and care for yourself i about Slit dance eetablishments. info the et of or ives, then SS building movement skills and These new methods of New Dance can really change — mes8 <— confidence, eoastocoable dance have developed ts, and challenge the premise =e 2m ~~ Eeedom of movement without slongside the feminist thar dance is only for he The community andthe labour movement lat joned together n orary occupations Hacknwy, which tension. ‘movement, and encoorageand talented and privileged few. opt the ibraras open for many mantrs. Eventually. the “Labour” Counci resorted to vicious police

| evictions to cain Sack Thar” property — and protastors laid the biame where # was dve.

Labour Briefing No. 89 May S0th-29rd Page 10

Labour Party

All Labour Party members must have been delighted with our creditable Vale of Glamorgan and County Council election results.

‘The pundits have stated that they were our best results since the creation of the SDP.

John Snow's computer predicted that the County results translated into a nation- ‘wide picture would have given ‘us a Labour govemment!

‘Whilst it would be wrong to become over-optimistic itis important that we recognise that 2 ‘new mood is expressing itself amongst working class voters.

Long held opposition to

Election boost

A Vale in the shadow of the Policy Review

By Bryn Griffiths Tottenham CLP

major Tory policies such as the Poll Tax, NHS reform, and ‘water privatisation is st last seeing its reflection in the Labour vote.

‘The “she’s gone too far” phenomenon has been fuelled by the decline in the ‘government's economic perfor:

To date, significant number of working class voters have been prepared to vote Tory a Tong as they delivered tax cuts, rising pay (for those in work),

Glasgow Centra

Govan

Mark

‘The Glasgow Central byelectionis likely to coincide with the Euro-elections on June 15th.

‘Asin Govan, which the constituency borders, the main challenge to Labour in both Euro- and by-elections comes from the SNP.

‘Ominously for unionists — Labour and Tory — the most recent opinion poll shows anextraondinary 61% support for the SNPs position of independence within the EC.

By Jim Niblock Glasgow Central cLe

‘At present they hold one of Scotland's eight Euro MPs. If this poll proves accurate they ‘could increase that by four.

‘On the by-clection front, Labour look vulnerable. The objective factors which underlay Sillars’ vietory at Govan have not changed.

‘A recent opinion poll showed SNP support at 27% — neatly <double their vote inthe General Election.

Labour are still alltalk and no fight Meanwhile, every adult in Scotland hasbeen stamped with the Thatcher agenda through introduction ofthe Poll Tx.

‘As if thir were not bad enough, the Labour candidate, Mike Watson, is hampered by the official Labour Party line of calling on people to pay the Poll Tax.

"The main subjective factorin Labour's favour is a large expatriate Irish community, Labour loyalists by tradition, though they may yet find their loyalty stretched by the Poll Tax

‘fthe nationalists win Central and four Euro-seats it will

eg

amount 10 nothing ess than = direct challenge to both ‘Thatcheriam and New Realism

With only tea MPs, Scottish ‘Tories were dependent on the acquiescence of Labour's 50 MPs to impose Thatcher's agenda in Scotland. Now the Specie ofthe SNP reaurgcoceis haunting both Thatcher and Kinnock.

‘The rise of Scottish Labour Action illustrates Kinnock’s “Scottish problem”. Only one year after its foundation atthe 1988 Scottish Conference, SLA’s political agenda dominated the 1989 Conference = because of Govan.

SLA had foreseen the possibility of a Govan and their politics ugeda stronger Labour Fesponse to Thatcher's Scottish ‘onrlaught and tothe challenge ofthe SNP. OF necessity this meant a break from New Realm (in Scodand).

‘Although SLA. dominated the Conference agenda the out come a always was determined by the union bureaucracy, hich stuck with Kinnock.

If Central becomes Govan Mack 2 the opposite may happen. New Realian would be downplayed a= SLA and the “doal mandate” come to the fore

‘Meanwhile, rumours abound in the Scottish press of an incient revolt within the Scot Aish Tory Paty against the igh risk strategy of dogmatic Thatcheriam parsued by Forsy and Rifkind.

ar from extending their narrow base in Scotland the Tories have become more isolated with cach new piece of Thaichesite legalaticn.

"The “Doomsday scenario” was anticipated at the General lection of June 1987. Wermay, hhave got the date wrong by fo

years.

coat poe ler me pe Seer ay Se eget : eee eee scolar Tanto Nm — tt oo ts Tl th Pak ees lee eee i el neores Peete oe aoc ing coe ee aes eran eer ee Se ere are oe eee ‘On the industrial front this Democrats abandoned their _ tive tothe Tories. Now is the time to become Se on eee oe ae oe a ee ae Se eee ae ee ae Teen

West Midlands Regional Conference

The bar; the buffet; and unilateralism

The West Midlands debate — as delegates Rel Nevertheless the resol Labour Party is Pouedinfromthetearooms. Yet world governments tion was lost on a card vote fenowned as the most The resolution from spend over £500 million by 280,000 votes to 265,000. fant whi Tien ‘eachdayonweaponsofwar. We understand the block country. : Delegates voting against votes against were EETPU, § the resolution were voting to AEU, GMB; and those for This is mainly because continue that situation and were TGWU, MSF, and ‘of the dominance of the en- also put their fingers on the NUPE. gineering unions and the ‘nuclear button. There were Labour Briefing put out a Labour District Council mary speckers in favour of bulletin to delegates and bosses from Birmingham, the resolution, obviously held a lively fringe meeting Sandwell, Coventry, and By DaveSpencer very emotional about onthe Poll Taxaddressed by Wolverhampton. Coventry Labour —_Kinnock’s intention to scrap Cli Greg Tucker from LamThis year there seemed to — the policy. beth and Pauline Purnell and ye fewer delegates and Briefing The right countered with John Roberison from Birminvisitors — and a larger pathetic arguments like “it gham. proportion of them spent lost us the last election” and Pauline Purnell and John their time in the bar and buf- It was moved and “wait for the Policy Review’. Wilton were both elected by fet than in previous years. ‘seconded by Briefing sup- Nobody really put a positive Conference to the Regional Frank Dobson's keynote porters — myself from case for keeping the bomb. _ Committee. speech was lacklustre to put Coventry and John Wilton ie from Birmingham. We Defending Unilateralism ‘onference decided poi Gorbachev ‘The next meeting of those organisations fo meet every two years in had shown that unilateralism campaigning to retain the Labour Party's peas sapeal to couk! be 2 popular poly. commitment to unilateral disarmament will be: rade union jes to Peop! Iso con- Tl fh 6: Se eee pein oastel si ws eee vesday May 26th, 6.30pm

arb petal anes Dri (room booked by Harry Cohen)

world —witness the £15 mi | CND Rally: Sunday October 1st, Brighton lion collected for Comic

Gould picks the First XV

viously they are sointerested bers — one from each conae stituency (12) plus reserved seats for women and black

Officers of the Birmin- v gham District Labour —_By Pauline Purnell i" their wards that they can't

y find anyone to cover for acivanetuesens Vice Chair, them. people. oY ne ninshiom “The disturbing resultofthe She was keen to argue met Labour Party Or- irmingha! meeting is that Joyce Gould thatno one with a “vested ingantser Joyce Gould to District Labour ‘was clearly displeased with terest” could participate in jscuss next year's Birmingham District Party's policy-making unless invited Dudgetmakingprocess. Party (Personal for the manitesio as aovisors.

‘Typically, noone onthe capacity) process for the 1990 local — Arguments from DP ofLabour Group had let the lections. ficers that many people others know where the “The DP had elected policy _joined the Party o participate

was! | eventually group convenors and invited in policy making, and offer foundit—-after 15 minutes present, but had not told Party members to attend the process valuable expersearching the Council Joyce Gould! policy group meetings — tise, were in vain.

building — by following Right wing Group officers held ondates agreed by with | would be interested to someone whowastakinga immediately jumped on this Committee Chairs. Dates hear how other DLPs orcupoteofies intoaroom... fact and wasted valuable and venues of the meetings ganise and influence their

‘Arow broke outatthe very time arguing that the officer are advertised at District areas’ policy making. Then |

start of the meeting (half an Should leave. Party meetings and notified would know if | have just hour late)...Regional Office Labour Group officers _ towards. been plain naive, or if the had agreed to the Policy S00n left'the meeting 10 at-"~--Joyoa Gould: wanted: the: Gould Limitis a disgrace and Group Convener being tend their advice desks: Ob- groups limited to 15-mem-" can be argued against.

| Labour Brieting No. 8 May 10th-23rd Page 11 “

Campaign: for Lesbian and Gay Liberation

Ser.

LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS

A year of the Section

Section 28 became law a biased local media) lose them advances are being made, with

year ago on May 24th. vores. the possibility of an historic ite oa cere st ©) Pie Porton ‘Anything radical is out ofthe debate atthe TGWU"s Bicanial

feverish campaigning lesbian Labour Campaign question, lesbianand gay ights, Delegate Conference in June,

pie ic i in particular, is completely and the NUT holding its first sf

Pos dacterr yaaa for Lesbian and taboo, and section 28 is the per- ever national Lesbian and Gay

than ever before. Gay Rights fect excuse. Conference the same month. | Lape ae ‘AsLeshianand Gay Socialist :

moblinaton of latees more, “promoting homosexuality” te last rommer, the Tories Sustained

Sr eee achieved their objective

Labour Campaign for Lesbian _ But right across the county, Without the cost of single Within the Labour Party,

and Gay Rights resolution won Councils which had previously _*olicitor: LCLGRhasplanned a sustained.

sree onienty atthe Parys embed on work to combat Thetehave beenstmegles. offensive overthenextperidio

peoeramdy ‘iserimination against lesbians relate tothe series of fortheor Jomsoftheleitexpectedthat aNd gay men have retreated on Students ing elections: Euro, local and

thecipaiicant diectot Section We ive: and others could not Genera.

28 wuld be a spate of court be moved to take them wp. Smadents have fought suc- We shall be campaigning

‘Theexcuseinthesecaseswas cessfully to overtum bans on vigorously to maintain lesbian fear of breaking the Inw. The facilities for Lesbian and Gay and gay rights on the agenda of

Reality real reason in many of them is Societies imposed by terrified the labour movement al atime MRS

litical. college administrators in when every pressure will be on _—

But, as LCLGR comectly PAs the Pany’s plage tothe Strathelyde and Leeds, and todrop ux IE SOE Cen OT Ne ee

foresaw, the reality wasthe sup- right threatens crucial policy Essex County Council will be Inthe week beforeLCLGR’s of consent and the repeal of all ment at this year's Party Con-

pression of lesbian and gey commitments, and aslocalelec- lobbiedon May l6thtooverturn Annual General Meeting on discriminatory laws — despite ference.

‘equal opportunities initiatives tions loom, the increasingly a similar ban. April 23rd, the right wing the factthatthesehadbeen reaf- __Forthisthe support of the rest

bby Labour Councils — and right wing or centr-controlled Lesbian and gay activists at moved in on the Party's Policy firmed as Party policy at three lof the left is extical. Bat also

sharp increase in physical Councils finally come out into local level are continning their Review group, which had taken Conferences, twice withthe u- critical will be the decision of

Violence agnnst lesbians and the open. campaigns fo promote our on board the LCLGR submis. nanimoos backing ofthe NEC! lesbians and gay mento join the say men. “They wantnothingtodowith equality through Local sion. Part ofthe campaign of the LabourPaty join LCLGR, ang "There still has not been a anything which might (on their Authorities. “The right deleted anything next six months, therfore isto. take up the struggle in every

single testing of the mesning of reading of the hysteria of Tory In many unions continued contentious —like an equal age reinstate the missing commit- comer of the movement.

Socialist Conference Is this equality? after the shoulds,

Education has been in the Essex Local Education Schools have often lagged Front Tine of the fight Autborty tid te Principals of brhindendthisiaionwilt= | FROW why: against Section 28 from the its Further and HE colleges not exacerbated by Section 28 and fecnjsunerang to allow any lesbian and gay theblatant slf-censorshipithas ‘The moet offensive part of STOP to mect on college provoked. : The Socialist Con- in a productive year, we sure on them, but they the Section is the phrase PtTlses because of the risk of The question of education is | ference Lesbian and havereacheda stage where droppedithe issue as soonas ithe promotion of | '°8#lctionunder Section 28. at the beatt of the debate, not | Gay Policy Groupwillbe we feel we can and must they could. just about Section 28, but about | running two workshops wholesale, the ques- Je hope that the Socialist

“the acceptability of ji heeocsualltssepeicaded —Self-censorship lesbian and gay liberation | St"the third Socialist tionoflesbianandgay ibera- Conference will not drop leePlate votseinGe™ Ia 5 pe ntoscee of sectiw. tia at ne | Conferencein Sheffield, #09 into this years con- ban and gay loeraon inthe pred scitcensorbip end promotion yes ey eee mast te | Wehopet set the basis ‘F208. feation oe New eno of prejudice have now been sexvality is ‘valid Gam | for a socialist under- at ll poets By REBECCA revered by coocerted shdent feteroceraslicy thea beth | standing of the theory and Pressure derstanding of the links beFLEMMING compen. should be promoted equally | Practice oflesbianandgey — tn Labour Party and liberation and socialist

However, the intimidatory throughout society. liberation. There is @ trade unions picked up les- theory and turn that underThis effectively Tegisiaies md discriminatory effects of There coaldbeno mich thing | Profound lack of under- 27 and gay rights last year standing into policy contralto

that lesbians and gay men are the Section have travelled far ascosruption of youth (whether | Standing within the labour” b5cauc6 of the mass pres- its vision of socialism.

fecond class ciszena, not even i800 the education system in ontheRatesornct). Any denial | movement, including the :

acceptable, let alone equal. bap bps Cle oe left, of these issues = rag the parliament con Father encourages and josifies aeburing the pasliamentary yiehcr Education reflects he igotry and appesson, Bias tae Labour Campaign for

nae taps nese “Tcnastamniectan | BY TO" Tnksightdeow wound seg {Sioa penotiey salt wget a sont ans | SOCalist toe ee editn ud eog unions sad NUS, that bave the continuing campaign | Conference

Y begun to include lesbians and inst self-cens and for 8 -, i Hien Lambs aunts: PE te equd oppor iercxcaion mdaetiopnent | Lesbian and Gay Model resolution for

ee ee reat Teal tunities policies and taken of lesbian and gay equality | Rights Policy Nits Splyig qecat ty hk pony pallies — cducsion 20d | Group Labour Party Conference

Lesbian and Gay Rights

seducers to lure young people Gad Conference is appalled that the commitment to fall ‘into lesbian and gay discos. Stop the Section M. h The New Realists would | equality for lesbians and gay men has been excluded from “The heady mia of “ke are! rather we just went away. | the Policy Review, especially in the light of Section 28. Hat eORTOME Details of Events Against Hi ceertltecsr agnor Crewe ios so ee coins tive in ‘whipping up hysteria f A ‘Annual Conferences ipo piper Section 28 equality inlaw for lesbians and gay men, legislation to end iv ir sbians — One Year On all of the many forms of discrimination suffered by les- . Brighton bians and gay men, repeal of all existing discriminatory It is perhaps surprising, then, e laws, and action by local authorities to combat disthatthe most public instances of May 27th ciouaiiea: Section 28 being wed have Hove Town Hall, Conference further notes that in 1986 and 1988 the policy Higher Education. 2pm ‘was carried by a majority of more than two thirds and

Strathclyde Regiooal Councilissued acirculartoall FE colleges instructing them that ‘grants to student associations

Ihad to be dependent on comiance with Section 28, Le. not

funding lesbian and. gay societies, ete wie

‘with the unanimous backing of the national executive committee.

‘The NECis therefore instructed to reinstate fortinwith the rice on a across was | Fall policy commitments, including explicitly thecommit- . Feld ard tho’ Lesbian nd | ment to an equal age of consent at 16, and the repeal of Gay Pokey Group came out | all discriminatory laws. oF is workshop.

Labour Briefing No. 83 May 10th-23rd Page 12

The Women’s Page

In this issue of Briefing the Women’s Page ‘once again looks at the issue of women’s control of our own bodies.

A recent Scottish court case means that ‘women in Scotland can no longer be legally raped by their husbands — even though the man was eventually aquitted.

‘The decision to try the man, accused of raping his wife while they were living together, made legal history; but is not applicable in England and Wales, where ‘women contine to have no legal protection.

However, as the aquittal showed, it will remain very difficult for Scottish women to prove, against all patriarchal assumptions to the contrary, that marrying and ing with a man does not give him the right to force her to have sexual intercourse.

The case is a reminder that 200 years after the French revolution, women still do not have the freedom to control their own bodies.

The limited control we do have is being further eroded by the policies of the Thatcher government.

Arecent survey shows that drast in birth contro! facilities in much of central London have pushed up the abortion rate to two and a half times the national average.

In the Bloomsbury Health Authority area, which includes Soho, ‘Camden, Mayfair and Kings Cross, £200,000 a year is being cut, leading to the closure of 11 out of 26 com: munity family planning sessions and reduced grants to Brook Advisory centres.

Ina report by the Bloomsbury Community Health Council unsuitable premises, long waits, inconvenient opening times and sessions cancelled with little notice are blamed for the increased abortion rate.

‘And Bloomsbury is not alone: lack of central government funding is leading many health authorities to cut family planning services.

But women, as we always have, are fighting back... 2

cuts

Women’s opposition

goes international!

Along with over 300,000 women (plus a sprinkling of men) I took part in one of the largest demonstrations ever seen in America.

It was the April 9th abortlon march in Washington, DC (see last Briefing for report).

‘At the same time, thousands more women, unable fo get 10 the capital, marched in towns and cities all over America.

1 was the first time the American women’s movement had sought to involve women from other countries and I was privileged to be invited as the "Bnglish” delegate. (I did keep ‘onexplaining that it was actually Bruain!)

‘The organisers, the National Organisation of Women, arranged 2 number of special events for us and treated us as “honoured guests”

‘Two things in particular led to so many women making the joumey to Washington. One was the anger aroused by the anti-abortionists’ increasingly violent and virulent attacks oo abortion clinics, their clients and workers.

‘Iwas told about the feminist. run clini in Atlantic City, used ‘mainly by Black women, which js under constant siege in an area where few women are will ing to stand up to the religious fundamentalists and act against them.

‘The more immediate event, bbowever, was the imminence of

the case to be heard by the ‘Supreme Court, Webster vs Reproductive Health Services, which challenges the legality of abortion.

Going to meetings to plan how fo counter Operation Res- ‘cue(the clinic attacks) provedto be especially enlightening and vseful.

By Leonora Lloyd

On retuming home, I was rung up by clinics expecting to be under siege by anti-abortionists on April 27th, the 21st anniversary of the implementation of the 1967 Abortion Act.

Using the techniques I had learnt in America, Twas able to organise a successful counter- ‘operation in Bournemouth!

Of course, our clinics are not under anything like the same level of attack as in America. ‘There, the anti-abortionists welcome arrest and even jail, forthe greater glory of god and The Cause.

’A book bas been written oo 99 ways oclose actinic, which

inclodes such ploys as walking Women from the US National Organisation of Women (NOW),

im, scattering anti-abortion demonstration in Paris propaganda and talking to technique of surounding the ‘women waiting fortreatment. terrorists with banners, thus However, the pro-choice side starving them of their desired are fighting back. Forexample, publicity. in San Fransico, they leamt Here in Britain it is impor- ‘where Operation Rescue's HQ. tant that we stop them now, ‘was and barricaded them in for before they gain confidence and Shoars! strength. Afterall, there are far ‘They have also developed a more of us than them!

We need to develop actions which do not upset the client

‘any more than they are curreat ly being upset — the last thing they need is hundreds of banner-waving, slogan-shonting ‘protagonists — but which can stop the anti-abortionists from doing what they want.

PHOTO: Carlos Augusto (FL!

jin an Intemational Women’s Day

More international exchange of ideas and information is needed, especially on much ‘questions a8 the tactics of the anti-sbortionists, in and out of the courts. The meeting of ‘women from all over the world in Washington was past of this process.

Moving the NUR onto the right track

The NUR already has policy condemning sexual harassment.

‘The 1969 AGM will discuss a resolution from Wil lesden No. 1 branch which atlempts to get some action on this principle.

By Pam Singer Delegate, NUR Conference (mover of the resolution)

Our first priority is to got union activists themselves to recognise the legitimacy of the problem.

Under pressure from local Women's Advisory Committees (WACS), steps have already been taken to begin the training programme called for in clause (a) (see box).

The union's education centre now uses examples of jal harassment cases in its general reps course.

‘Some (very few!) District Councils have held successful day schools on the issue,

by their WACs. National Women’s Advisory ‘The schools have been eye- Committee will be respon- ‘openers for some ofthe male sible for the content. reps, as they Iistened to real Finally, the resolution calls ‘experiences of the women for the union to negotiate members. relevant clauses in all its in- ‘Women in the railway in- dustries so that sexual dustry are particularly vul- harasementis recognised as erable, being in such a a grievance which can be ‘small minority and often very properly processed. isolated. Atthe moment we have to Clause (b) was inspired by rely on the goodwill and unthe excellent leafiets and derstandingofa sympathetic,

handbooks putoutby unions local manager — very few"

such as BIFU, NALGO, and and far between! TGWU. We hope that the We consider it essential

Resolution from Willesden No. 1 branch to the 1989 AGM of the National Union of Railwaymen

In line with NUR policy condemning sexual harassment, we propose that the following steps be taken in ‘order to alert members to the nature of the problem:

{@) that union representatives, officers and officials at all levels be given special training on how to handle ‘sexual harassment cases sensitively and effectively;

(6) that the union write and distribute leaflets defining the problem, letting women know their rights, and out ing what steps they should take if they find themselve victims of harassment;

{(c) that, following TUC guidelines, the union negotiates a clause with all its employers committing them to recog-

ising segual harassment, andtohandiing grievances by

disciplining or relocating the offender and not the victim.

that the offender be the one to change jobs if necessary. Itis @ dubious victory if the victim is discreetly spirited away and the incident hushed up.

There is now a discussion on whether or not the resolution should be amended to take up the issue of ‘conflict of interest, where the union may refuse to become volved with one member's grievance against another

member.

The active women in the NUR have always maintained that such an accusation is not the same as two NUR members getting intoa punch-up.

‘Sexual harassment is not about a clash or personalities or a sudden outburst of passion. It is about the right of women to work in a safe and comfortable environment.

of Briefing Womer

Name:

Address: .

am particularly interested in:

Please send me further information about the activities:

to; Leesa Herbert, 101 Vartry Road, London

Labour Briefing No, 83 May 10th-23ed Page 13

Reviews

In Memory of Paula Watson

Your commitment to the cause of socialism and to the working class will be missed, but not forgotten. Ex-Westminster Council workers and NUPE members remember the support you gave us In our struggle against privatisation and to defend our class. We salute the contribution you made on the picket of South African Airways and your ‘support for the Women's Movement. You represented political integrity that is not easy to replace. You may have gone, but your contribution to the struggle cannot be taken away.

The fruits of your labour will benefit future generations.

Steve Harris, ex-Westminster Council street sweeper and NUPE Shop Steward, now postal worker

George Wood, ex-Westminster Council housing estate porter and NUPE Shop Steward

John Goddard, ex-Westminster Council street ‘sweeper, now health service worker

Cliff Best, ex-NUS seaman, now supermarket shelt-filler, ex-distributor of Save Westminster Services

Tim Basta, ex-Westminster NUPE Shop Steward Padraig Finn, TGWU/ACTSS, Westminster North

Labour Party Peter Booker, Westminster South Labour Party

Jon ai enloneliaaa saa

Paula Watson was a fine Socialist who understood the history of the movement and used her knowledge to encourage and inspire other people who were tempted to lose heart when the going was hard.

‘She was one hundred per cent committed to the Trade Unions, the Labour Party, and socialism and gave strength to her constituency by her involvement in its work.

She was also a distinguished historian of the 17th Century and that helped to give her a perspective which she put to good use.

‘She bore the pain and suffering of her last lines with immense courage and will be very sadly missed.

Tony Benn

rather than a universal state —astate which excludes the young from work, and suppresses their sexuality.

This is a very welcome addition to books on the politics of the family, looking at the area least

Other societies, like Now researched by theleft— uinoa, studied by M largaret childhood. Mad, ‘reat their children quite ditferentiy. Pe Peckham CLP be as active as possible, in-

cluding in catching fish for food. Such societies also show different gender roles from ours.

‘Strike The book also covers lost

children’s history, like the 1914-17 Burston School

The writers explode the myth that childhood Is the happiest time of our lives. They show how children are the least free in our society, are not allowed to play a productive role, and are kept In a state of sub-

‘Se She citron ike “The children went on str

etad in support of their Christian

Using historical andcross- Socialist teachers Mr and

perspectivi

cultural

Paula (Kitty) Watson died on Thursday April 27th in ‘St Joseph’s Hospice, Hackney, after a long and courageous

against cancer.

struggle

~Only her closest friends her indomitable cod as she was with

the sure knowledge that she had buta few weeks toliveout

the last phases of her rich and varied life. ey

By Cllr Ellis

Hillman

—_——_

Paula was a great socialist, ctive and influential ber of Westminster South General Committee, founder of the City Branch, = leading force in the Women’s Section, Westminster South CLP’s “delegate” to the County Hall

City elections for the ward of Cripplegate.

‘At a memorial service held at Sé Giles Church la Criplegate, a large congregation From many walks of life pald their respects to Paula oo her las “— friends from her polltical world, her

university, and her many personal friends, who shared her

Benn

‘Tony Benn paid special tribute to her at the service. Hedescribedher ase great influence upon him and concentrated on her enormous courage discussing with him In Middlesex Hospital thecurrent political scene with the great verve we all kaew.

“As a Parliamentary historian she was able,” said ‘Toay Benn, “to see the continuum connecting the strugles of the past with those of

Our Paula: (1934-1989)

the preseat

He sald he was sure she would have been as elated ‘with the wonderful results in ‘the Vale of Glamorgan by-

didate for Hertfordshire, Mannela Sykes, as wellasrepresentatives of Westminster South CLP and her many friends were Joined by com trades from Briefing.

Paula had been Secretary to Briefing for two years, and hhad been active with Briefing since 1981.

To those of us who have worked with her — our memories are of her “oat-

7” (to which Tooy Bean referred), her transparent honesty, and lack of pretentioasness. “Trimmers”

She could not abide “trimmers” or “opportunists” who took on left colours for their partinmentary or leadership ambitions.

‘She bad enormous time for ‘Tony Benn and Eric Heffer and Jeremy Corbyn — and the comrades of the left of the Labour Groupat County Hall ‘who refused to go along with the rate-capping sell-out of 198s.

She took part in both

Chesterfield Conferences and ~~ or Teeting lf tab pales eves

Although she to no “tendency”, she admired the courage of the Militant com rades, who concentrated 00 class issues, but was probably closest politically to the comrades around Socialist Outlook.

‘One of the last periodicals sheread was thelatest issue of

BOOK REVIEW The worst years of our lives!

The book covers the role of children during the great Miners’ Strike of 1984-5, and examines ways in which children can be politically active today.

Little

system.

Tt is easy to read and profusely ilustrated. Give it to your daughters, sons, grandchildren, nieces and nephews!

The Politics of Childhood, ‘by Martin Hoyles and Phil Evans, Journeyman Press, £495.

effort needed to put Ideas into practice — above conducts registration at the Briefing Socialist Polici Conference of Spring 1987.

‘On the Briefing Editorial Board, Paula was always the one to insist on the need to analyse economic developments —a timely reminder, which led to the regular “Economic Notebook" feature on page 3 being inaugurated.

‘She had suggested a centre page feature on “The [Arts and the Left”, which was scheduled in for this issue of Briefing. Sadly, it now has not included the contribution she intended to write — an exposé of the class inequities of opera funding, with particular relerence to Covent Garden.

‘As Secretary of the Briefing National Steering ‘Committee, Paule again resourced the work of many. As Ellis says, she “could not abide those who took on left colours for their own ambitions”. Our discussions on so many personalities on the left will never be the same again!

Revolutionary History.

Paula loved life, and treasured every moment, every second of hier last few ‘weeks. She “demanded” to be kept informed of every new development — making commeat on everything that was

happening around her with her characteristic Incisive- = Her courageous struggle vwillalwaysberemembered by her friends and comrades, and her example an inspiration to us all.

Labour Brieting No. 88 May 10th-28rd Page 14 4

Intemational Briefing

ee an On the road to

revolution?

‘The Brazilian municipal elections in November 1988 produced an unexpected surge of support for the Partido dos Trabathadores (PT — Workers’ Party).

‘The trade union, community and radical pastoral church based party went from having three elected Mayors to 36 and from having 170 municipal Councillors to a remarkable 2,000.

In Sco Paulo Luiza Erundina became the new mayor of the second biggest eity in the world.

‘A militant campaigner for the rights of the landless and homeless, Laiza is known as a leader of the radical xiites (Shiite) faction of the PT. ¢ caused a furore by stating that that armed violence is 2 ‘valid way of gaining political change.

‘With the first democratic Presidential elections since the military coup of 1964 due on November 1Sth of this year, the PY candidate Ignacio Lula da Silva, known 2s Lula, is running neck and neck for first place in the polls.

Briefing’s DAVID GRANT spoke to Ladislau Dowbor, an ‘advisor for international affairs to the Sac Paulo municipal administration.

the USA, forexample, is just as indebted ax Brazil is — bot the way it was accumulated and ‘what it has been spent on.

Brazil put US$27ba into the Angra dos Reis auclear power plant project when we have huge possibilities for hydroelectric energy. Money wa spent on the trans-Amazonica highway, another useless investment, cutting through the Amazon.

Satisfied Jaipu was built, the biggest

dam in the world, costing ee Factory own USSiBte, Wal dt coe ack, VW factory — Sao Paulo. Factory owners pass on thar increased

re ERS In IS costs othe workers, keeping ination sang, make a complete agrarian bouthoods, small towns, in the out of the workers’ purchasing reform and everyone would be progressive religious organisa- power. The workers can not ‘satisfied. tions, everywhere where people continue to pay for this chaotic Braziltooklotsof money that have been organising. situation. ‘was badly used, a fact which Thehopesofmany desperate The Samey government has ‘was very well known by the people have been transferred no legitimacy or respect; bankers, who also knew that if from the PMDB to the PT, everybody knows that it can't interest rates went up, Brail which could be very dangerous keep the companies from rais- ‘would be unable to pay. We are ingtheir prices, We cannot hope

What issues does the PT see’ private economic group,

5 the most important mother ministry supports some facing Brazil? ‘other private interest.

‘We do not have an organised

political centre which can

Brazil faces massive struc- balance one set of interests

tural problems, not tackled against anotherto defend the in- ‘currently giving some US$12- tosalve these problems without during two decades of military terests of the popalation as a 15bn a year to the richer amajorredistribution ofincome re. We have 150 million in- whole. ‘countries. in the country.

People are just getting tired of the mockery that is made of ‘them in the long run by the big Iandowners, the nriitary, the ‘multinationals, and the powerfualfamilies. Thisled toacall foraGeneral ‘Strike on March 4th. Afterfive broken pacts, the fact that the ‘workers say “to hell with it” is, think, atleast understandable.

Why was Lula chosen to run for President?

habitants and a very young We are paying the price for population. 10% of the richer 20 yearsof military dictatorship families absorb 50% of the during which all mechanismsof ‘country's wealth. ‘popolar puticipation and con-

Only an eighth of good farm- trol of the state disappeared. ing land is used for agriculture. Corruption is completely People are dying for land every generalised and we need an inéay in Brazil — a situation —strument to rebuild our society. ‘which cannot continue. ‘Another huge problem is in-

People buy land and wait for flation, curently over 1,000% a You also have a massive exthe government orsomeoncelse year. Whenpricesgoup. ittakes vironmental problem in the to make roads and provide an workers six months to get their cities of Brazil. Greater Sao infrastructure and let the value eamings back up to what they Paulo, for example, has 18 mil-

te ‘were, while factory owners can Kon inhabitants and ix growing f

“They just sit and wait for the simply pass on increased costs. by more than 300,000 per year. Lala is the obvious canvalue to increase, and there are ‘There is no investment in the didate. He is one of the founders 1o significant taxes on land not ‘Transfer infrastructure. This leads to of the PT, a great leader, pesbeing productively used. We growing problems of obtaining haps the best politician that needa thoroogh-going agrarian ‘This is «transfer of income clean drinking water, of Brrail has produced this conreform. from groups like workers, pen- sewage, of polluted rivers and tury.

‘The next key problem is the sioners, small producers with airpollution. ‘ state, which doesnotexist inthe no ability to control prices, to. And then there is the foreign Brazilian sugar worker. “Only an eighth of good farming land is paved for the PT with the

‘modem sense of the term. One the bankers, those incommere debt, currently US$1200n. The ministry supports a particular and the big industrialists. tragedy of the debe isnotits size

used for agneuture. Peaple are dying for land every day in Brazd ‘number of votes ever. 23 stuaton that cannot continue.” Pk ton bees fox fe Soe Last November the PT In recent weeks the latest g0ing social reforms weneed; a made spectacular gains in economic plan announced '<20e" who has the confidence the municipal elections, by President Jose Sarney sl yr

and who, as we sav with hiso with the Brazilian has met with a hostile reac- >ositiontothe social pcts, does

National Mobilising Conference Democratic Movement tion from both the militant ‘ot tace on tst what olhers

Party (PMDB), one of the trade unionists of the May 13th, 1iam-Spm geberamental parties, Untied Federation of wharwidveluemuntoms Conway Hail, Red Lion Square, London WC1 pica! out ones poisoning as and, a“ raised by the PT in the reakthrough antici estingly, the moderate spn Sie Activists Meeting bythe PI? tunlons, What is the back Pp te ome We didnot expect such posi- d t0 this develop- or Sunday May 14th, 10.30am-3.30pm tones Treeiotel ce Gemhcs - eeee gen University of London Union, Malet Street, London WC1 success, youhave to gobackto The first economic plan, the _ to civilian rule'as in any normal

the great hopes that Were €X- Plano Cruzado, was made in country, the environment issue.

‘The Namibia Emergency Campaign is convened by the Anti-Apartheld Movement | cited by the 1985 transition i986 with greatpromisesforin- Before the municipal clec- ‘and Namibia Support Committee in consultation with SWAPO. {from military power. dexing wagestoprice increases. tions most people, inclu ‘Then the big car manufacturers most ofthe PT, thought that

nce and Activists Meeting have been called in response to Expectations were allowed to increase their would be impossible for Lula to

‘The Mobilising Conf

the crisis in Namibia caused by attempts by South Africa and its international prices by 80% at a time of al- win. Now I think many believe

alllies to sabotage the implementation of the UN independence plan. People had great expecta- most zero inflation. it's not just a symbolic stand, tions but those leading thecam- "Next the big landowners put that there isa chance.

Mobilising Conference: £10 for national delegates (up to 5 per organisation), paign for s retum to civilian up the price of meat. The Perhaps Lula is not the

individuals £3 (waged), £2 (unwaged). ovement delivered nothing. wockersbeganto fight to main- favour eopcially en Bal

Activist Conference: £3 (waged), £2 (unwaged). ‘The agrarian reform was tain wage levels. there are great regional differen

aborted as wasthe demandfors Various stabilisation plans ces and factots to be taken into For more information contact the Namibia Emergency Campaign, clo13Mandela | new democraticconstitution. followed, the most recent, and account and the PT’ does not

‘Street, London NW1 ODW. Tel. 01-387 7966 or 01-267 1941/2 ‘The PT is really the only fifth, being the Plano Verano, have strong roots everywhere. party that has not been which proposes a wage rise of But feel we have to fight for

Send your donations In now tothe same address cheques payable lo Namibie.|.dewomied and has not com-lesethan25% at atime whenin- power but that there is a danger

_ Emergency Campa Eridtinguinatarativereapes: a. eae : -Staily sihous ea power

| Labour Briefing No. 83 May f0th-29rd Page 15

Intemational Briefing

£2

Who’s calling the shots? /

The near hysteria in the British and US media which greeted the West German government's insistence on negotiatlons between NATO and the Warsaw Pact over short range nuclear weapons has left most Germans puzzied.

Thatcher's visit to Chancellor Kohl's weekend retreat in Deidesheim,

portrayed as.

It was, after all, his 1982 break with the Social Democrats that cleared the way for West Germany's agreement to the Cruise and Pershing II missiles.

IRis true, however, that the Bonn government is under strong politcal pressure — not only from a string of poor local election results, but also from growing public opinion that the West is not doing enough in response to

the Soviet Union’s billed here as the Iron : Lady's showdown with Perestroka German pacifism and neutralism, was given far By GUNTER more low key treaimenton 4 the continent. MINNERUP This ls hardly surprising, as the principle Cause of the With Gorbachev due to

row Is to be found in London and Washington rather than in Bonn.

There is litte that is new in the paper adopted by the ruling Christian Democrat/Liberal coalition, (in the foreign policy pursued by Hans-Dietrich ‘Genscher — who is far from being the evil genius of German disengagement from NATO that he is often

visit the Federal Republic this year, Kohl and Genscher clearly have to be seen to acknowledge that mood domestically.

For Bush and Thatcher, however, far more than the ‘survivial ofthe Bonn coalition is at stake.

‘They realise that the Gorbymania sweeping the Wester world, but in particular Westem Europe, has

Defend the Cape Town Sixteen!

By Mike Phipps Chair, Greenwich & Bexley Anti-Apartheid

In December 1988, 14 black members of Umkhonto We Stawe, the armed wing of the African National Congress, ‘were sentenced in Cape Town for their “crime” of resisting the hated system of Apartheid.

‘Their comrade in arms, Ashley Kricl, paid the highest price: the was shot in the back by the security police.

‘The 14, together with Ashley's wife, Yasmina (they married while in police cutody), spent over 18 months in police detention. “The charges against Yasmina were eventually dropped and she was released.

‘All were the victims of incessant interrogation and brutal mental and physical torture, which in most cases included repeated beatings and electroshock treatment.

STen ofthe talists will spend time in a high sccuity apartheid | gaol where conditions are appalling. The four who were given

Stapended sentences face severe restrictions on their freedom of movement and expression.

‘So far the national Anti-Apartheid Movement has done litle to | campaign on behalf of these detainees. But Andrina Forbes, mother | of 2h year old Ashley Forbes (sentenced to 15 yeas) is curently

‘campaigning in Britain forthe 16. ‘The Cape Town 16 campaign is calling for: sthe unconditional release of the ten and all other South Aftican political prisoners who have been jailed, those on trial, those in Setention, and those on death row, the unconditional freedom of those who received suspended scotences andthe lifting ofthe severe restrictions placed upon them; ‘Prisoner of War sat for the 16 and forall other South Aftican freedom fighters: san independeat ingury into the death of the fallen hero, Ashley Kiel, and forhis killers to be brought to trial; dretic improvements to the inhuman cooditions under which ‘South Aftican political prisoners ae kept. ‘What you can do to help: -providea platform for Andsina Forbes to speak; ‘publicive the details and facts ofthe case ofthe Cape Town 16; erite to the families of the Cape Town 16, extending your support and solidaity

offer financial assistance in support of the 16 and their families; ide point of distribution for campaign matecal, Iaflets, and pamphlets;

‘pass resolutions through your Trades Councils, ot.

For further information contact:

Ethne Swartz, 0625-582 247.

already done much to erode the ical raison

of the Atlantic Alliance, and has drawn much political ‘energy over to consider possible alternatives.

Even before Gorbachev, the refusal of most West Europeans to goalong with a new Cold War as: in Washington and London had driven a deep wedge into the “free work? Now Gorbachev is threatening to drive this wedge even deeper.

Genscher's,

political

The real issue is who: the shots in the Alliance. The ‘American so-called nuclear umbrella over Western Europe has always been a short leash by which Washington could exert uk timate control over Europe's future.

Britain's position in turn has been principally defined not by its own industrial or military strength, but by its “special realationship” with Washington as the monkey on the organ grinder's shoulder.

This could only work on condition that West Germany, the real economic and military giant in Western Europe, was kept out of the nuclear game and politically subordinate,

‘Now any tendency for the

it matters not that the dit-

German elections had, after already been agreed upon. There is little difference over NATO's linking further nuclear talks and deep cuts in the Soviet con- ‘ventional forces.

‘A nuclear free Europe is not in Kohl's, or even

ee

oe

Federal Republicto question the nuclear foundations of the Alliance, and to make space for its own inde-

policies towards the East, are identified as deadly threats not to Wester unity as such but to the ‘Anglo-American hegemony inthe Alliance.

Hence, the need to foros some sort of unequivocal commitment to the nuctear essence of NATO out of the West German government before Gorbachev's visit to Bonn.

Not Kohi's own pol to Washington is in ‘doubt, but his ability to win the political and ideological struggle over public opinion in Geremany.

Hence Thatcher's ludicrous attemptsto appeal directly to the German people” over the ‘Chancellor's head: for be-

ind the massive but polit cally weak figure of Kohl, there lurks the threat of a Social Democratic oF

Workers call for solidarity

South Africa intends to sell Namibian public services including hospital services, water services, post and telecommunications (including the colonial electronic media) and transport services.

‘There is evidence that the terested buyers are American, British, and Htalian transnational companies with, we suspect, the tscit consent of the concemed goveraments.

Privatisation of water, bospi-

Since March, workers in the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) have been orAfrican administrator's plans to privatise Namibian government services.

(Our campaign culminated In a huge workers’ march

Secretary General's Special Representative, Marti Ahtisaari.

‘Our demands stated clearly that the sale of our public ser- ‘vices must stop and that transactions that have already oc- ‘curred must be reversed.

‘Our march was stopped by armed police. We were refused entry into the “white city centre” of Windhoek. The UNTAG forces were nowhere tobe seen, although we had informed them of our intention to march.

and peasants casts a great ques-

tion mark on the real pos-

sibilities of change and real inin Namibia.

Privatisation of public services is an attempt to strip the future Namibian government of power over its own infrastracfare, and the power to improve the living conditions of the oppressed majority.

Privatisation is effectively 4 strategy to displace political power of a future goverment into the hands of transnational corporations who are already

Moses Mayekiso

Released!

First the treason charges were dropped. Then, after a 16-month trial, Moses Mayekiso and the rest of the Alexandra Five were acquitted of all charges.

This result is a major victory and an important confidence booster to other South African detainees facing trial on trumped up charges.

Italso represents a vindication for the 18 months of active campaigning undertaken by supporters of Moses and his comrades in Britain and internationally.

‘Despite the official Anti-Apartheid Movement's reluctance 10 campaign on Moses, support and solidarity poured in across the country. The high point of the campaign was a national tour by Kola Mayekiso which finished only two weeks before the acquittal.

‘The same solidarity must now be harnessed in support ‘ot other detainees. ‘Mike Phipps

dominating the economy of the ‘entire Southem African subcon- ‘nent

Botha and Thatcher are claiming to be guardians and midwives of Namibia's independence process while at the

peal for solidarity to the members ofthe British TUC we have the following proposal.

‘In Namibia the available print media is heavily dominated by pro-South ‘African newspapers. Printing

Same time making surethat this houses are not favourably inindependence will be firmly clined to us. controlled by them. For some time now the trade ‘Afterthe April Istmarch was union has taken up its educastopped, we were informed by tional responsibilities by the UN that they could do noth- producing handbills, leaflets, ing about magazines, wall newspapers South African administrator and posters. Pienaarreferredustoaprevious As gur role isto inform out

press statement where be apears to say that privatisation ‘will be discontinued.

I the same document he indicates that upon the materialisation of “foreign aid” the poblic services will be sold toa “trust”

‘The laws which empowered the process of privatisation have not been repealed. Privatisation in Namibia is going ahead.

‘Workers of Namibi poised to take decisive action ‘against privatisation. We nod the active support of the ‘workers of the world effectively to destroy this strategy to

botage Namibian independence.

‘Aswebave been requested 10 make a direct and concrete ap-

members on an ongoing basis ‘we have a great neod for an independent printing press coatolled by the trade union movement.

‘Members of the TUC could assist us by providing such facilitiesas well asproviding up to two qualified printers for a period of one year. These printers would be able to train Namibians in the operation of ‘such a printing press as we do rot currently have sufficiently skilled people within the ranks of our organisation.

Taken from a Situation Report writtea by Joba Pandeol, Genecal Secretary of Namibia Food snd Allied all of the Natio: of Namibian Workers,

Ual

Our Demands ‘The organised workers of Namibia together with the organised community are calling for:

the active and effective deployment of UNTAG and the Increase of UNTAG forces to the original numbers of 7,500;

‘an end to privatisation;

restriction of the South African army and demobilisation of the South African proxy troops to their bases;

confinement of PLAN fighters to bases inside Namibia:

“an end to all forms of Intimidation of SWAPO supporters and random anti-SWAPO violence perpetrated by members of army and police units;

“freedom of association, movement, and expression for all, eundansy

immediate repeal of all discriminatory laws and laws ‘which institutionalise the South African propaganda ‘machiserts the forms of the state controlled electronic media.

| :

Labour Briefing No. 83 May 10th-23rd Page 16

ET IEFING

Wi

Latest figures from Lewisham Council show that Poll Taxin the Borough will start at £366 in April 1990, rising to £805 in 1994.

But this projection assumes a 100% collection rate and inflation at just am!

Council policy in fightIng the Tax Isto pray for 4 Labour government in 1992.

Meanwhile they are implomenting the Tax as offectively as they can —by ‘sub-contracting out the bulk of the work to a private company.

Now turn anger into

Whether this firm is elther unionised, an equal opportunities employer, or responsible enough to Took after highly sensitive personal information is Enother matter.

By Brian Harrison

The fightback against this outrageous tax is going weil, with the recent fusion of Lewisham ‘Against the Poll Tax and the Community Resistance into one united campaign.

action!

Recent events in Oxford demonstrate the massive ‘opposition to the Poll Tax which exists throughout Britain.

‘A publle meeting in March, called jointly by Oxfordshire County Labour Party and Oxford Against the Poll Tax (OAPT, attracted over 500.

‘A march and rally during the Labour Party weekend of “action” drew about 250, even though Uttle real effort was put into building it.

Despite this OAPT has failed todevelop into anything approaching a mass campaign and has drawn in few Individuals or organisations beyond these represented at itsinception.

‘A major opportunity. was missed at the March public

meeting where David Blunkett and the SWP’s Paul Foot left us alin ne doubt that the Poll Taxis a “bad thing”.

‘The only challenge from the platform to Blunkett’s defeatism came from the OAPT speaker — so comradely was Paul Foot that Blunkett invited him to join ‘the Labour Party!

By Roy Leach Oxford Against the Poll Tax

‘The “weekend of action” rally was Uttle better but at least the OAPT speaker was Joined by the Secretary of Oxford Trades Council in calling, for a mast campaign of noaregistration and a0n-payment.

‘The overall effect of these two events was to leave Oxford people with no strategy to fight the Poll Tax and with the certain knowledge that the Labour right havenodesireto lead an effective campaign to defeat it.

‘OAPT needs to turn anger Into effective action. It needs to pat pressareon the Labour City Couneil to drop its policy of compliance with registration and collection.

Removing the City Council’s mame from the Registration formsisa't going to fool anybody!

Publle meetings need to be ‘organised on the Council estates where tenants will suffer

Poll Tax Reports

the databases byte off more than they can chew?

BRIEFING

The new group has

‘speakers at branch meetadopted the slogan “Can't = ee

ings, resolutions of sup-

Pay, Won't Pay” and a port, affiliations, and a policy of non-registration, commitment from local non-payment, and non- unions to effective action collection. against the Tax. ltsfirstactivitywastoor- As registration apganise an area conference proaches, we will be floodresulting ina Federationo! ing estates with our an!

South London anti-Poll

registration leaflet, coinTax groups, committed to

ciding with the appearance ‘of the Council's registration forms.

Our leaflet calls for acollective boycott of registration asa first stage —leadIng into a campaign for non-payment — and nonimplementation, when the databases finally get their bytes together.

The Lewisham campaign has a network of over 600 supporters across the Borough, with various local groups based on wards and estates.

The fight is also being taken into the unions, with

most from the Poll Tax. Tactics for disrupting Registration need to be discussed and ‘support won for all strategies ‘of opposition to the Tax.

A Committee of 100(0) needs to be built to ‘demonstrate that itis possible to fight the Tax and also to ‘show solidarity with those too

poor to pay the likely £400 bill

(Oxford Trades Council has already agreed to support those victimised for not paying. Unions and tenants groups cam be won to this position too.

OAPT can be contacted do 10 Chapel Street, Oxford.

Sheffield Against the Poll Tax Take the first step towards defeating the Poll Tax! YORKSHIRE REGION MARCH AND RALLY

Saturday June 10th Assemble pm, the Old Bus Station, comer of Love Lane, bottom of Snig Hill 2.15pm, Rally at City Hall steps For further details contact SCCAU, 724866 Messages of support welcome

Bring flags and banners!

SUBSCRIBE TO BRIEFING

IMake sure of your copy of the fortnightly Labour Briefing. Annual subscriptions are £12 (individuals), £24 (institutions). Write to PO Box 457, London SW2 SUZ (cheques, etc., payable ito Labour Briefing).

1989 May/June

Government wants Poll Tax canvass ‘to begin. It will also launch a national advertising campaign and probably a household leaflet drop.

Late May

Launch of the “Fair Local Tax Charter” by the Poll Tax Forum June

Government to take decisions on safety nets, enabling 1990/1 Poll Tax calculations.

July ist

TUC National Rally, North-West Region July

Outline RSG settlement for 1990/4. Late summer

Outline of new needs assessment system published October

New Capital system gets Royal Assent October/November

RSG settlement; government publishes 1990/91 Poll Tax figures December ist

Register to be published; “Extracts” to be sent to individuals; Capital Budgets set under new system

1990

February/March

Revenue budgets under new system and Poll Taxes to be set

March Poll Tax bills sent out June/July

Authorities begin enforcement of unpaid Poll Tax