The aims of London Underground management are quite clear and public. They want to smash militant trade unionism to create higher levels of productivity and profitability to prepare for eventual privatisation. UnWhere do you fancy this year, dear? Greece or a bus to the local? fortunately the calling off of strike action three weeks ago makes them closer to achieving their objectives.
The problem with the article on this in Socialist Outlook no. 2 is not just that it uts the bes! possible gloss on the loss of 800 obs and supports the decision o call off the strike. It also defends the way that it was cone « ou a cecision taken over the heads of the rank and file by informal 'soundings'. It is true that there was management intimidations right from the start of the ballot, and it is possible that the mood changed, or new factors intervened making the strike became unviable -although the article in unconvincing on this.
But who decides the mood has changed? There was only one mandate from the rank and file - and that was for strike action. No one has a right to set aside such a mandate without going back to the members - not to call for the towel to be thrown in but to seek a reaffirmation the strike vote in the new situation.
It seems that the change of heart, at least among the leaders of the strike, came after the result of the ballot - which many felt was disappointing. Yet two to one vote on a 60% poll is a very good and solid mandate under today's conditions and with management threatening victimisations.
If the charge of using ballots as bargaining counters is to be effectively avoided, new democratic methods of decision-making clearly need to be developed within the RMT. While ballots to call strikes are unavoidable within the law, the law does not (quite deliberately) require a ballot to call it off! Mass meetings can be held if the views of the rank and file need to be sought.
In the event, LUL management won by intimidatory methods and they will be back for more. The days of 'safe strikes are clearly over. This may well have been the best chance the RMT will get for some time to take LUL manage ment on. my ton. Kst strike whis the dry as against ' iron is hot is seldom the way to generate a struggle against