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THE annual conference of the shopworkers' union (USDAW) voted last week to retain the 40-30-30 electoral college as union policy on electing the despite an impassioned speech from Labour leader Michael Foot. out proposals for a 33-33-33 formula and for 'one-member, one vote'.
In a smart move the union executive arqued for keeping the quo position but against switching to the 33-33-33 formula if 40:30-30 fell at the Labour conterence.
That way they hope to leave the dominated conference delegation free to switch to Michael Foot and the right wing's preferred 50-25-25 option.
The new right. wing rouping in the union, Mainstream', had argue for conference to reject all the formulas so that the could decide.
Rejected The conference however clearly rejected the proposal to vote for Benn as deputy leader.
The argument went that Foot and Healey were a unifying team to deal with the party's biggest problem, the Tories Though the left fered setbacks in the elecmade on union policy.
Conference voted for woman's right to choose and for outpatient abortion facilities on the NHS.
Union, Benn's bid for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party. This is what he told Socialist Challenge:
start from the principles affecting the wider moveI support all aspects democracy, and particularly Tony Benn's strong stand on the question of public disclosure. He and I want an Act of Parliament completely cutting back government secrecy.
The fuss about his democratic can oppose democracy and elections.
As far concerned, an increasing number of our members think that what Benn stands for represents a much closer reality of the feelings of the rank and file.
believe that the Wembley conference has got to be put into operation. Tony Benn is totally entitled to stand.
position without any ference is to consider this issue this month.
the rank and file to campaign for an open and clear open debate and issue a clear mandate.
and dealing at a solely leadership level.
st Challenge 7 May 1981 This was The conference threw The executive was also instructed to inform all wrenches decisions taken by the union delega conferences and to explain WaTC made.
In his conference address Michael Foot argued for Labour's main priority on returning to office to be leading the capaign for world disarmament.
He TAlled to mention unilateral however, and the conference went on to pass HOOL ON DOI Cruise and Trident and in of European nuclear free zone, but also " supporting both unilateral and multilateral disarmament.
The union left wrongly supported both positions aisarmament. The result unfortunately leaves the executive witn a tree hand to interpret conference decisions as they please.
Despite the passing of some militant policies the union still lacks a leadership willing to fight in the interests of its The left has a long way to go to transform this situation. is backing Tony I support Tony Benn, of course - or rather I of labour movement I support all the policies Tony Benn stands for.
candidacy wrong. No the workings as the AUEW and the Labour Party are process agreed at the The AUEW leadership has already declared a mandate. The union conIn general in the unions my appeal would be for Every union conference should have an Otherwise this vital issue will be left to wheeling
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AUEW leader debate on Benn candidacy BOB WRIGHT, assistant general secretary of