these resolutions, and circulated them tions.
However, serious problems are raised by the parameters set GOWn the NEC in its proposals. two key paragrapis in lic consultative document read as follows:
'Branch Business. To flict between the role de workdace orance did AT THE 1980 conference of the Labour Party, two resolutions proposing the establishment of workplace branches were adopted. In line the National Executive of the party has drawn up proposals for the establishment of workplace branches to affiliated organisaComments on the proposals have to be sent to the NEC in the next couple of weeks.
that of the trade union branches in the workplace, the rules of the workplace branch should clearly confine branch business political Italicis. so that there no overlapping Hallels that are only pertinent to the trade union branch.
An Horeover "To comply with the Conterence decision and in order to conform to the objectives proposed, essential for a workplace branch to be made up only of individual members the Party employed in the workplace.
Encapsulated in these two proposals, not mentioned at all in the conference resoution, . is a limiting conception of the role factory branches which would effectively sabotage their most useful function, and prevent the industrial/political being overcome.
To tactorv and workplace branches may, of course, membership. Increase part. But unless the worko act have a role in the workplace, then there is no earthiy reason they should meet separately from the constituency parties. Point The whole point of organising in the factories is to link up the 'political' struggle and 'industrial' struggle and understand matters are in this period cabitails. crisis eminently political.
Let's take an example. In a British Leyland factory, like Rover Solihull, ace a Cose because Edwardes plan, it would be ludicrous for a Labour Party branch not Lo OSCus the ciosure of the plant because it was Labour Party branches in factories must have the right to draw out the cation antises plications Issuer which affect people in the Very LITC branch is supposed to Equally, the workplace or factory branch should take these issues affecting the workplaces the constituency DalLy which they are affiliated This precisely ine way overcome the industrial/political Otherwise, if the NEC has its way, the factory branches could be reduced to impotent discussion clubs with no rationale.
Levy The same question is involved with the composition the workplace branches. effectively overcome the artificial in•usa Douca the best way to organise would be to allow all union members wac pay the political levy to participate in the branch.
This would be a really effective way of organising political levy payers, who are ritually counted in the Labour Party's million members If the objective of the NEC is Dulla a mass party, then rather than attempt recruit members to factory discusthey should take this golden opportunity to organise their affiliated mass membership One sues walcined them in their day-to-day struggles.
Affiliated organisations and constituenc SHould that the NEC rethinks this question.