RM HAVING HEARD Jimmy Knapp explain the latest details of the dispute rank and file railworkers called for a broadening of the action at a packed solidarity meeting in central London last Tuesday.
While a successful meeting saw £1250 handed over to strike funds, one RMT member pointed out:
"Collecting money is fine, but we need to extend the action. We have got to use the health and safety argument."
Walking across
As a guard from north London explained:
"I stand on my picket line telling signal WorKers noT TO cross, then take off my picket's armband and walk in to work as usual. I think it's a disgrace that my union is defeating itself."
Another asked: "Why are signalling grades the only ones involved in the dispute? Every argument about signalling grades applies to every other grade on the railway. So why not broaden the dispute?"
Speaking from the platform a signal worker explained that his branch would be calling for indefinite strike action adding, "and if anyone is dismissed as a result the executive should call out all RMT members in support." hesitant-to step up the action.
Demoralised
Without spreading the strike, signal workers will become demoralised and Railtrack will have won an important victory; the government would have kept the lid on public sector pay.
St Helens Trades Council has already taken the initiative in establishing a support group, to organise workplace collections and a speaking tour.
SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No. 69, September 24 1994, Page 3