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| POWER STATION DISPUTES AND THE ROLE OF UNOFFICIAL ACTION |
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Dear Comrades,
We should not underestimate the significance of the unofficial action which has hit power stations across Britain in recent days.
Workers are fighting for jobs, decent terms and conditions and trade unionism. Anti-union laws prohibit the main unions involved—Unite, the GMB and UCATT—from being seen to give any support to those involved. But many of the local leaders of the strike movement are shop stewards or local branch officers, and statements made by regional and national officials show where union sympathies lie.
Placards held by strikers and protestors have a website address on them (www.bearfacts.co.uk) which leads to news and a forum. Messages of support for the strike movement can be posted there as well.
Objectively, the strikers are opposing the EU 'free market' in labour. In truth, this 'free market' with 'free movement' of workers is a monopoly-dominated market in which transnational corporations move workers across the map to undercut pay and conditions—many of them previously negotiated with trade unions—in order to maximise profits.
In particular, the big corporations responsible for construction projects at power stations are taking on the cheapest sub-contractors, who then bring in super-exploited labour from their 'own' or another country, as local workers and trade unionists languish on the dole. In some cases, this imported labour is replacing local workers whose contracts have been terminated or come to an end. At the Lindsey oil refinery in north Lincolnshire, where the walkouts began, the 300 imported Italian workers are living on barges in Grimsby docks nearby.
EU laws and regulations insist that most contracts of any size have to be put out to tender and must be open to bids from anywhere in the EU. Recent cases at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) have upheld the 'right' of contractors and sub-contractors to employ such labour on terms and conditions inferior to those prevailing in that industry in that region or country—irrespective of agreements negotiated with unions (see http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/features/undermining_labour).
The construction industry is, of course, notorious for the the readiness of many of its employers to break laws, victimise trade unionists and enter into corrupt arrangements in order to hold down costs, win contracts and maximise profits.
In the current case at Lindsey, Total are insisting that they are paying the going rate and not undercutting wages. That may well be true in this instance. But if workers allow employers to unilaterally determine who works where, when and on what pay then the future looks grim. And with the ECJ waiting in the wings to reassert the EU enshrined freedoms of bosses over the fundamental freedoms of workers and their unions then the picture is grimmer still.
Now the workers have risen up against the whole rotten set-up. The fact that they have done so utilising, in some areas, such slogans as 'British Jobs for British Workers' and 'Put British Workers First' does not negate the justice of their struggle. Trade union officials and activists at every level are making it clear that their argument is not with super-exploited imported workers, but with the bosses and the 'free market' in labour exploitation. The workers' slogans simply and effectively reproach Brown for his demagogic and nationalistic boasts.
In September 2007, he promised the TUC 'a British job on offer for every British worker' and the Labour Party conference in October 'British jobs for British workers'.
The BNP are trying to capitalise on this dispute and the utmost vigilance is necessary to expose and attack them. They and their bogus "trade union" front are no friends of workers, employed or unemployed, in Britain or anywhere else.
Communists should also draw out another lesson from this struggle, alongside the fundamental anti-working class content of the EU and its laws and regulations. That is the ability of workers to take action regardless of anti-trade union laws. While official union backing is often valuable, it is not essential. Unofficial action avoids the traps and pitfalls set by Tory legislation and retained by New Labour.
Working class democracy by debate and a show of hands, instead of complex balloting procedures that can be delayed or overturned by legal action; immediate action once a decision is taken, instead of notice which gives the employer plenty of time to prepare counter-measures; immunity from sequestration, although this makes solidarity all the more important.
That's the answer to ruthless employers and their laws. And just as workers can overcome anti-union laws through action and solidarity, so we should demand that—in line with public opinion—employers and government refuse to implement unjust EU laws. After all, they can when it comes to bailing out the banks.
Communists should see how and where they can offer their support for the strike. Raise the issues at trade union meetings. Win resolutions of support from labour and progressive movement bodies. Go to your local picket line, see how you can help—and take some Morning Stars there to sell or give away.
ELECTION IN UNITE AMICUS SECTION
Communists active in the Amicus section of Unite the Union have agreed to support Derek Simpson in the forthcoming election for the section's General Secretary. The election was forced on the union by the action of a single member challenging the agreed rule book, using Tory laws. Progressives in the union want to get on with the job of carrying out the overwhelming decision of the members to unite T&G and Amicus into one strong union.
The critical question for Communists is to ensure that the union turns away from internal divisions and unites to lead the fightback against looming mass unemployment and the huge pressure on living standards experienced by workers in the current economic crisis.
Laurence Faircloth, one of the initial candidates, has withdrawn and is asking his supporters to vote for Derek Simpson. Some ultra-lefts may support Jerry Hicks, whose individual complaint to the Certification Officer led to the election being called.
The other challenger for the job is Kevin Coyne, regarded as the most serious challenger to Derek Simpson and seen by many as right of centre. Coyne is supported by those who wish to see Unite as a New Labour loyalist union. It is clear that he would be unable to provide the fighting, class lead needed to win progressive policies and challenge New Labour. He will therefore not advance the development of a united broad left across the whole of Unite—the two priorities identified by Communists as crucial considerations in this election.
TRADE UNION & POLITICAL CADRE SCHOOL
The above items underline the importance of our Party's annual Trade Union and Political Cadre School at Ruskin House, Croydon on the weekend of February 7-8.
Although bookings are going well, there are still places available and the school is open to all Party and YCL members, allies and friends.
The theme of the weekend is 'Capitalism in Crisis: Organising and Mobilising for Change'. Sessions include employment and the British economy, organising the unorganised, the Left Wing Programme, trades councils and local campaigning and international trade unionism. Among the speakers will be RMT general secretary Bob Crow, Left Economic Advisory Panel member Andrew Fisher, Indian Workers Association general secretary Harsev Bains, trade union organiser of City of London cleaners Rhys McCarthy, YCL Women’s Organiser Joanne Stevenson and leading Communist trade unionists Anita Halpin, Graham Stevenson, Anita Wright, Kevin Halpin, Mary Davis, Bill Greenshields and Tommy Morrison
The first session begins at 1pm on Saturday, February 7 (registration and lunch from 12 noon). Book your place by contacting Ben Stevenson at Party centre (Tel. 020 8686 1659 or e-mail
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) or National Organiser Andy Goodall (Tel. 07590 503390).
Registration and attendance is free, including a Saturday evening meal and—for comrades living beyond reasonable travelling distance of Croydon—so is Saturday night accommodation. Comrades in need of travel expenses should receive assistance from their branch, district or nation, especially if they are unwaged or low-waged, but Party centre will make up any shortfall.
An updated edition of the pamphlet by John Foster and the Economic Committee, The Politics of Britain's Economic Crisis, will also be available at the school, together with a new issue of Communist Review.
FEBRUARY—A MONTH OF ACTION!
The January Executive Committee meeting confirmed the call for a month of activity by Party members and organisations on the issue of domestic gas and electricity.
Comrades who have taken our petition around the doors, into workplaces and onto the streets are reporting an excellent response and completed forms are reaching Party centre. As the bills bite deep into millions of households, and most of the 'Big Six' domestic fuel monopolies refuse to lower their prices in line with the price of oil, this is a vital issue for many people. Please do what you can to utilise our leaflet, stickers and posters, copies of which are available from Party centre along with an updated briefing paper. Marches and rallies are still being held on the issue of Gaza and Palestine. Comrades are urged to give support and help ensure that they are as broad-based as possible. A new party leaflet is available from Party centre and website, and the need for Morning Star sales should not be overlooked.
On various dates between February 25 and March 12, our party and the Communist Party of Ireland are hosting a visit by Nancy Coro Aguiar, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba. Our intention is hold a series of public events across Britain, in consultation with comrades locally, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of socialist Cuba. A party pamphlet by Geoff Bottoms will be published at the same time. Watch the Morning Star and Party website for details!
Yours for Communism, Robert Griffiths, general secretary |