By a railworker DEMONSTRATING rail workers in Manchester this week witnessed a step forward in their campaign for reinstatement of four of their RMT colleagues sacked 18 months ago.
The Industrial Tribunal they had come to lobby ruled that the action which led to the four's dismissal was 'official action' in terms of the anti-trade union laws.
Settling this technicality opens the way for further argument at the IT and increases the chance of ultimate victory. Before the IT can proceed however British Rail plan to appeal this ruling.
Minor dispute
The four rail union activists at Manchester Piccadilly were sacked after a minor dispute. BR management wanted to send a message throughout the rail industry.
Without any warning, breaking all the proper machinery, the four were handed dismissal notices without even being given the opportunity to defend themselves before a hearing.
Despite winning a ballot for strike action their union, the. RMT, caved in when BR won a court injunction.
Instead of an industrial campaign the four have been forced to settle for defence through Industrial Tribunal' .Last week the case finally reached the IT.
Packed support
The hearing was packed with rail workers from across Manchester who had come to support their comrades.
Whilst the Tribunal heard how guards at Piccadilly had taken action to defend local agreements, the key arguments centred on technical definitions of whether the dispute was 'official' or not.
After nearly two hours of deliberation the tribunal found in favour of the union on this point. This now opens the door for a full hearing on the merits of the case.
However, BR immediately indicated they would appeal this ruling, up to the High Court if necessary. Even if the union wins against this appeal this meant that the tribunal hearing THE ca Tory transport policy under fire: M11 motorway protestors challenged 700 police and bailiffs in East London had to be postponed and will not