The first issue of the new newspaper-style Socialist got good response from our suporters and svmpathisers Sales were higher than they ever were when we had a magazine format. We have had a steady flow of new subscribers, and donations, including some from people we did not previously know.
The good response has been heartening - but there is a long way to go derore the paper Is a: good as we want it to be; and we think that we can improve the level of sales to make à bigger impact.
There are a number of ways in which our supporters and readers can help the newspaper develop. First, by making sugrestions for improvements anc or articles. All the criticisms and comments we receive are being collated and regularly discussed by the editorial staff. Tell us what you want to see in the paper.
But we need more reports of local and labour movement events. If vou have a proposal for an article, or news on which we can base an article, send it to us at PO Box 1109, London N4 2UU.
We need to ensure that we maximise sales, and especially subscriptions. Supporters should utilise the opportunity of the 2.50 introductory subscription to get people to subscribe. And we want sup porters to tell us of any left wing bookshops which do not get the paper.
Most of all we need to get money back from sales to our office as soon as possible. Socialist Outlook supporters who take a regular bundle can helpus by paying for it through a standing order.
Socialist Outlook, in line with our support for the Socialist Movement, supports its new paper socialist. In order that we do not clash with the launch issue of socialist, there will be a three week gap between issues 2 and 3. Our next issue will be out on 8 June. Self-d Self-de for for
was ine deal done oy vimmy Khaop ana olner ral union omicials a sell out of a necessary retreat? The issue is now being debated among rail workers. Below Is one point of vlew from a Sociallst Outlook supporter WOMEN ACTIVISTS in the trade union movement face sexism and discriminatory practices both in the workplace and in their trade union. Combine this with the sexism and discrimination in society in general and the result - women are underSide by side on the picket llne women join male engineering workers represented at all levels of the movement.
This fact, which would hardly surprise any woman who at some point in her life tried to get involved in her union, has recently been studied in some depth by the Labour Research Department (LRD) and the results published in a booklet Women in the trade unions - action for equality.
According to LRD only 26% of the 11 million women in employment are in TUC affiliated unions compared John Harris refuses to confront these assaults the improvements in conditions of work and any extension of union rights (such as facility time for union meetings) will be very hard to achieve.
In other words women are likely to be further marginalised in the trade union movement rather than see their position improved Particularly if the TUC's strategy is the only one adopted.
The crucial area that is deliberately excluded by the TUC is the en