Birmingham benefit staff fighting for jobs before the local election Treasurer St. Helens Trades Council RECENT JOB losses in St. Helens (700 at Pilkington's and 500 at Smith Kline Beecham) led to two 1000strong demonsrations in the town, and the formation of a committee involving local trades unions and the Labour Party, which decided to organise a demo and rally in London, followed by a lobby of Parliament, on May 25.
Jim Bond, convenor of Pilkington's AEEU, made himself coordinator of this March For Jobs campaign. St. Helens TUC decided to support the campaign, which could mobilise the people of St. Helens and also help towards rebuilding the Trades Council.
Jamboree
However, serious problems started to arise as this labour movement orientated campaign was diverted into a popular front jamboree.
Bond, frightened of any leftwing influence in the campaign, put pressure on a pub landlord to cancel an SWP meeting with leading local trades unionists. Management at Pilkington's and Beecham's saw this as a green light to intimidate the union speakers.
The right-wing Labour council and many rightist trade union leaders supported Bond's actions, saying that they didn't want the SWP to hijack the campaign.
Any talk of strike action was scuppered. The campaign's sole effort was to organise an appeal to the Tories, demanding more regional aid to create permanent jobs - a recipe for disaster. Many trade unions now have little desire to become involved.
Frightened by possible Liberal Democrat advances in the local elections, the council at first supported the campaign.
As soon as the elections ended without lost seats they virtually dropped out. Whilst claiming to support the Beechams workers, they were secretly discussing with Beechams management to turn most of the site into a car park.
Churches
Jim Bond's enormous involvement in the Church means that about a third of the coaches to the London demo will be filled from the churches. Many church leaders, including Archbishops, will speak at the rally, as will Liberal David Alton and Tory Nicholas Winterton.
On a more positive note, Lancashire Women Against Pit Closures will speak at the rally., and together with St. Helens TUC will be on the lobby of Parliament. The campaign has mobilised large sections of workers in The town Unfortunately the Beechams workers have now decided to give up the fight and accept the redundancy offer.
Despite the obvious weaknesses, St. Helens TUC has been able to use the campaign to revitalise its organisation, gaining around 12 new affiliates so far. • Socialist Forum Meeting, June 8, 7.30pm, Nags Head, St. Helens