main problem with another key sector the lorry drivers. instruction not to cross so-called decision of pickthe tocross pickets ot "primary" given. stockholders and major users was left up to the 'conscience' of the drivers.
This was interpreted by most local bureaucrats as an invitation to cross picket lines, thus sabotaging effective picketing. It was only in the minth week that a clearer instruction went out.
The bosses were not so inhibited. They organised a massive operation to share the available stockpiled steel, and aided and abetted by management, kept rolling in through unregistered ports.
The sell-out policies of the union leaderships were all of a piece with their overall strategy. The thrust of the ISTC campaign was to indict the inefficient management of BSC and its lack of an aggressive export drive It is true that BSC management is Bureaucratic management in both the public and private sectors will breed inefficiency workers' control of production by an informed workforce and within the framework of a workers' plan for the industry as a whole can eliminate waste and inefficiency in large-scale production.
But the waste exhibited by BSC management arises from incompetence but wrong planning predictions due to the chaos of the capitalist market. demand import controls to deal with this is to continue to join with the bosses in trying to resolve problem at the expense of workers -this time foreign workers.
Root But the needs of steel workers as revealed in the steel strike was shown to be solidarity with foreign workers.
The new class struggle leadership which is beginning to form out of the experience of the strike must centre its strategy on opposing root and branch rationalisation and the Tories. This must centre on the safeguarding of jobs, opposition ally hiving and nationalisation of all steel, including stockholders.
The Tory cash limits have to be smashed, and a subsidy to save jobs forced on the starting point needs safeguarding of the 40-hour week. This should extended total policy worksharing with no loss of pay.
The shop stewards which have been established in South Yorkshire must be nationally and a national combine committee formed, committed to a class struggle strategy to save jobs.
The fight has to go ISTC. The liaison committee for the reform of the ISTC, which exister before the strike, can now be placed on a higher level, integrating class struggle policies into the fight democratic control of the union. This