THE TORIES' schools tests (SATS) are dead in the water - thanks to the rank and file mobilisation and determination of teachers, and despite the reluctance and obstruction of the leaders of the teachers' unions.
Mass meeting all over the country and a huge campaign spearheaded by rank and file activists have forced the hands of leaders like the NUT's Doug McAvoy, who only two months ago was denouncing a boycott of the tests as dangerous extremism.
Throttling SATS has dealt a major blow to Tory education reform plans. This is a welcome victory. But millions of workers face a huge battle in the coming months - against redundancies, against the 1.5 per cent pay norm and the threat to ban strikes ip the public sector.
The teachers shows that solidarity, struggle and unity is the way to win. That is what is needed to throw back the Tory attacks.
SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No. 41. May 1, 1993. Page 2 Birmingham