Islington NALGO
The long-running Islington council NALGO dispute is at an important turning point as Socialist Outlook goes to press.
The Labour-controlled local authority has issued sacking threats to 700 strikers; so far only about 40 have buckled under this massive pressure and returned to work.
The council is likely to carry through its mass dismissal threats on settlement is not reached at negotia. sons scheduled for the previous eve employers are unwiling to meet the basic demand of an alternative job ofer for every worker whose post is cut.
The NALGO national executive Departing: Hodge has authorised escalation. Around 400 turther members, in sectors including ibraries, centrai support services and the architoots' department, have been balloted on joining the strike. A yes vote was expected at the Sme of wring authority has now publicy declared itsolf in tavour of a negotiated settloment. Whie this change of heart is mainly down to the strength of the dispute, the departure of Kinnockite leader Margaret Hodge - chief author also been a factor The election of her successor is ow taking place, with ant-cuts can didate .i2 Davies picking up a surprise lever of support virile she is unlikely to win, her campaign is putting pressure on other candidates to make concessions.
By Keith Sinclair President, Hull Trades Council Suspended National Union of Teachers treasurer Ian Murch - a prominent left activist in the union - has been reinstated following successful legal action.
This is the second time in recent years leftwingers have NUT executive majority, and the victory represents another significant setback for the right.
lan was disciplined after commenting on union affairs Channel Four programme. The leadership set out to defeat a key political opponent by bureaucratic While many socialist teachers were rightly critical of the decision to go to court, the campaign for lan's reinstatement missed several opportunities to involve activists in the fight for reinstatement.