05.09.1996

Labour blasts postworkers

Members of the Communication Workers Union, in dispute with Royal Mail over the company’s attempts to impose ‘teamworking’, last week faced a further attack on their defensive strike action.

Labour leader Tony Blair added his voice to the propaganda barrage aimed at forcing postal workers to accept fewer rights and worse conditions. He stepped in to back CWU joint general secretary Alan Johnson, who thinks his union should sign up for the deal. “I am sure the leadership position of the union is absolutely correct in saying there is a basis for a settlement,” said Blair, worried that his election chances might be jeopardised by workers daring to defend themselves.

However, the CWU postal executive overruled Johnson yet again in his attempt to reballot the members, although it was agreed to consult the regions in order to assess the membership mood. But reports from all the major centres indicate that support for the strikes is as solid as ever. Last Saturday another rank and file meeting was held in London and there was an overwhelming majority among the delegates for an escalation of the action, with only a handful calling for a fresh ballot.

Typical of the mood is Steve Bell, secretary of SE Wales Amalgamated branch. “The Royal Mail claim that ‘record’ numbers of workers are defying the strike is just a fantasy,” he said.

“They tried to promote a return to work, but when that failed they had to invent one. Of course we have to take note of Blair’s intervention, because it will have an impact on some members who might become discouraged.

“But members have to prioritise defending their own interests and we have to reflect their views. We are subject to much more accountability than any Labour MP”

Peter Manson