by NALGO activist Newham NALGO strikers were ordered back to work on Monday last week after the union's national emergency committee caved in to the threat of anti-union laws without them even being used.
Events began to untold the previous Thursday when the branch received a phone call from NALGO top brass calling off the dispute, There had been no consultation with the branch.
National officials apparenity teared that employers Newham council would obtain a House of Lords judgement stopping the strike because outstanding demands - a no compulsory redundancies deal and a no victimisation clause in the retum to work agreement - were not on the ballot paper.
rollowing the phone call, four coach loads of Newham NALGO Sheffield's Labour-controlled city members went down to the union's Mabledon Place headquarters in central London and occupled the bullding, discovering a private bathroom suite for general secretary Alan Jinkinson.
After seven hours of direct negotiations with Jinkinson, assurances were given that the strike would continue until Monday's meeling of the national executive.
Despite the promises, the fol lowing day the branch secretary received a latter Instructing him to call off pickets, and members were told to go back to work on the following Tuesday.
On Monday, activists turned up at Mabledon Place to hind the door locked and their way barred by police, Some protestors neverthe ess got into the building but with drew alter the executive threatened to stap its meeting unless they lell.
Eventually the branch secured agreement that they would be re NALGO staged a one day walkout balloted on remaining demands. Activists expect to win and resume the sinke by the and of this manth, NALGO leadership want lo see the tesult go the other way. They have even delayed handing over money owed the branch for strike pay.
Their cowardly capitulation -without even a writ being issued -Is in contravention of NALGO national policy to support those who dety lory anti-union laws in defence of their Interest.
The lack of a return to work agreement leaves activists open to discipline by the authorily, as some of the strikers have already. discovered As part of Newham NALGO infated campaign to censure the execulive, striker Monica Dixon Is standing for the committee in a by-elaction. All London NALGO activists should try to ensure their branch nominates her.