car manufacturers like Jaguar.
The strike started over extremely low pay, harsh shop floor discipline, compulsory overtime and dangerous working conditions. Even after 65 hours work, including compulsory overtime, wages were only £120 - with women earning £30 less.
The workers will be appearing before equal pay, wrongful dismissal and wrongful deductions tribunals soon.
Birmingham Trades Council is raising £2000 a week to support the strikers, and support now addressing labour movement meetings across London, in a speaking tour organised by the Socialist Movement Trade Union Committee, Solidarity Network and Trade Union News magazine.
The workers have been out demanding union recognition, equal pay for women, reduction of compulsory overtime, reinstatement of a victimised workmate, and action on safety.
A joint statement from the tour organisers insists: 'Success is possible. is high, Burnsall's business operations are being damaged and even the health and safety executive has vindicated the strikers' concerns over safety.
'A victory for the Burnsall strikers would be a boost for all trade unionists and workers, but especially for black and immigrant workers.' London union branches, Labour Party wards and community groups wanting to hear the strikers' case first hand should ring Mark 071 249 8086 (day) or 081 806 3109 (evenings).
Published fortnightly Solidarity price £1 Strikers and claimants 25p No 27 12 September, 1992 socialist