By a London busworker London Transport (LT) is on the brink of inflicting a major defeat on 12,000 busworkers. tender the more profitable routes, the government has now withdrawn the subsidy given to all other routes, forc ing LT to cut costs on these routes by approximately 20 per cent.
New contracts The immediate result of this for the workforce has been the introduction of new employment contracts, with 20 per cent lower wages, 20 per cent longer hours and a worsening were given until February 28 o sign or be sacked 1 TGWU ballot for strike ac tion on February 19 gave a 2:1 majority in favour of action but no action was arranged, even after the deadline of the 28th had passed. Even now, there is only a possibility of a token one-day strike.
No intention It is clear that the union any intention of fighting this beginning g have shown thatdefending their members rights is the last thing on their minds.
Waited
They deliberately waited until individual members had been placed in the invidious position of choosing whether to sign or be sacked before the union took any action.
Rank and file busworkers have shown that they are willing to fight back against the attacks being made. Now they must organise to push the union leadership into supporting them before its too late. lawful deductions, equal pay and victimisation are coming up, piling financial pressure on the ruthless O'Neill family, who have been condemned by their own Irish community. This should soon ensure that they will be forced into a settlement with the kers' union, or face insolvency. for: equal pay (currently the workers are paid E120 min, with women only receiving 190); health and safety - adequate ventilation and protective clothing, clean toilets and canteen facilities; an adequate 65 hours, seven day weck); a proper contract of employment; guaranteed basic rights and no victimisations, with workers being treated with respect and such indignities and degradation at the hand of revanchist employers.
Burnsall is not unique, there are many similar companies operating in the Birmingham country.
The strikers' main concern now is the GMB full time officonstrained by the imagined exar restraints upon temTheir concern with staying prevented initiatives being taken.
The resilience of the strikers, vile abuse, mental and physical, is an inspiration.
Certainly this struggle is key n convincing the black com munity and other oppressed groups that a struggle can be effectively fought with their own communities backing and bour movement suppor elegations from Houghtos Main pit camp. Sheffield WAPC, coaches from London ana supporters trom omer areas will be joining the Birmingham labour movement in a rally at the picket on Tuesday March 9 to celebrate Internatonal Women's Day. kers and Trentham WAPC will lake paceon rhaay March zot at the New Birmingham Trade Union Club./X Pershore Road. Entrance €2 with Banner Theatre, Dawberry Firkin, and the Kitchen Girls. Messages of support and reqwests or speakers c/o GMB, Will Thome House, 2 Birmingham Road, Halesoten, West Midlands. Group which can be mached onde, Instrument House, 217 Kings Cross Road, WC1 9DB