200 workers walked out of Sorting Depot, Liverpool, on Tuesday April 12.
A supervisor had deliberately provoked a deaf UCW member by continually laughing behind his back because of his disability. Harassment was so bad that the UCW member eventually threw a punch.
Management neither investigated the incident nor used agreed Disputes Procedure. They immediately suspended the deaf worker, causing uproar in the sorting depot. After a mass meeting the whole work-force walked out, setting up pickets at every gate.
Management used all the anti-union laws at their disposal and on Thursday April 14 an injunction was served on the union.
The UCW National Executive, frightened of losing their precious funds, demanded the branch immediately return to work. A mass meeting decided unanimously to continue the illegal action.
Letters were piling up -£21,000 Appeal Fund Never mind false modesty - Socialist Outlook is the best paper on the left! Not just because our front covers and lay-out are more imaginative - which there was no mail coming in or out of Liverpool. Over half a million homes and businesses were affected. Management and local union leaders had round after round of talks without reaching agreement.
Management tried to break the strike by transferring mail to other large depots. At Ellesmere Port, Warrington and Bolton workers refused to handle scab mail.
After six days on strike, the branch decided to return to work on Monday April 18.
Management reluctantly re-in- TRADE UNION NEWS stated the suspended worker, though he still faces a disciplinary hearing.
The branch made clear further attempts to sack him would result in more walkouts.
This is the first time workers have flouted the new anti-union laws. It is a major victory for the trade union movement. By standing firm and spreading action disputes can be won despite management intimidation and reactionary union leaderships.