lish a campaign in defence of the Labour Party-trade union link.
Immediately after Labour's election defeat, the rightargued for the dropping of the union link and pacts with the Liberal This raised the question of the organisational independence of the Labour Party from the openly bosses parties and its reflection of the organised working class and their ability to influence its policies.
While the issue of pacts has been put on the back burner (probably until the Labour Party comes up with a definitive position on electoral reform), there has been an ongoing debate about the link with the unions, with the Labour Co-ordinating Committee and the right-wing unions (mainly AEEU) pushing most vigorously. Several mainstream unions (UCW, such moves.
The importance attached to the issue is shown by the 30-odd resolutions submitted to Party conference - more than most other subjects - with the overwhelming majority for retaining the link.
However, the NEC has set up a working party to review the issue and report-back next year. The majority of unions, including those which have submitted resolutions, are certain to support referral to the working party.
In time-honoured Labour Party fashion, this working party will send out a consultation questionnaire, the responses to which it will ignore and produce proposals which are a fudge. The same process on parliamentary selection has meant a procedure which undermines the principle of trade union input through its very unmanageability.
The task for the moment is to labour movement for the principle of maintaining the link. At a later stage, detailed responses to any working party report will need to be discussed.
Meetings have been held with the aim of establishing a 'Keep the Link Campaign', and a wide range of Trade Union and Labour Party bodies and individuals are being circulated with and asked to endorse a general statement. A planning meeting is being held at Party conference at which it is hoped to establish a campaign.
Every effort should be made to raise the issue throughout the labour movement, getting endorcament for the statement and donations for the campaign. This should not be limited to the left but open to all those supporting retention of the link.
For copies of the statement, writeto: 120 Northcote Road, London E17 7EB.
Solihull Hospital and East BirHome News