LAST WEEKEND a 1,500 strong demonstration marched through Liverpool in support of the 500 sacked dockers. Unfortunately this enthusiasm has not been matched by TGWU leader Bill Morris.
He had announced that the union would If you would like a back a hardship fund. Not a penny has been docker to speak at has also failed to back your TU branch, demonstrations and trades Council, Labour Party Ward There is a fair degree of suspicion that or Constituency the T&G's negotiat- contact Jeff Jones ing team, rather than on 0151 207 2288. ment, are busy cobbling together a pay-off deal to bring the strike to a dishonorable end! Luckily the strikers are standing firm.
Une reason the soloanty mas ocea maintained is the emergence and effective organisation of women in a support Bruins: Pir Closures, the group is play- Initially assisted by Women ing an increasingly important role in the overall fight.
Support groups have been set up in Southampton, Hull, Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Striking dockers have been toured round workplaces. trade union branches and trades coun cils. In Southampton a picket took place of Drake International the firm hired to organise scabs to break the struggle in Liverpool. Building support extends well beyond the dispute itself. It is about revitalising the trade union series of defeats. The Labour Party has, not surprisingly, refused to back the dispute. All efbring up tis issuc inside the Labour Party and the trade union movement and to pressurise the TGWU leadership to officially recognise it.
The dockers desperately need cash! They also need support on their demonstrations and rallies (next one Saturday February 3) and on their picket lines.
Socialist Outlook 95 • January 20 1996.