ANTI-UNION laws are being used to hold off the fightback at Revell and George printers in Salford, Manchester, where union officials, amongst other GPMU members, have been sacked for supporting a nationally-bargained pay claim.
Clearly, putting an end to national bargaining and any role for the unions in settling claims is a big part of the government-led offensive against the unions.
The GPMU is backing the the bian JULY 12, 6am MASS PICKET Revell and George Cow Lane, off Oldfield Rd Salford sacked workers, but on condition that they keep to the law.
This means, for instance, that the people in dispute are not allowed onto their own picket line on Monday mornings, when a show of solidarity by supporters takes place; it means not calling on the many unionised companies that deal with Revell and George to boycott them.
better on.
It is fairly clear that the dispute cannot be won by 'stay. ing within the law'. The Monday morning mass pickets (without the pickets) have ensured that the place doesn't open now at all until gone midday on Mondays.
The company can put up with this, as they can put up with six men outside shouting abuse, and post workers leaving post in the street.
the union must sled up the action, and allow the dispute to be won. This will be a big step on the way to stopping the print employers from destroying the rights and conditions of the workforce, starting by breaking the most militant sections.
SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No. 46, July 1