19.12.1996

Solidarity is the key

Glacier workers are determined to continue their sit-in for as long as it takes

There are two key elements in the Polmadie dispute, if it is to be successful. One is demanding solidarity from the trade union and working class movements; the other is to defend the occupation of the factory.

Solidarity has to be built on a national and international level. It needs to raise money to sustain the workers and their families in their struggle. However, it also needs to deliver solidarity action. Glacier’s parent company is the transnational Turner and Newall, which has plants and customers throughout the world. Workers in these other plants must be won to industrial action in support of their brothers at the Polmadie plant and a boycott of Glaciers needs to be implemented around the world.

The occupation of the Glasgow factory was a bold initiative by the sacked workers that must be supported. The anti-trade union laws have meant the AEEU leadership has distanced itself from the sit-in. It is more keen on keeping its hands on the union coffers than supporting a great tactic adopted by union members in the struggle for their jobs.

The occupation is a crucial weapon in this dispute, as it prevents management bringing a scab workforce into the plant. Estimates are that lost production has already cost Glaciers over £1 million. It provides an effective focus for the workers. It must be defended at all costs until at least full reinstatement is won for all 103 workers on acceptable terms and conditions. Any legal manoeuvrings by Glaciers must be resisted. If the police attempt to come to remove the workers, then the trade union movement must respond by mobilising a blockade of the plant to prevent such action.

The Polmadie 103 must win, not just to save their jobs, but to restore some confidence to the whole of the working class movement in Britain.

Nick Clarke