IMGpapers 1980–83

Newspapers of the International Marxist Group and its forerunners, 1980–83

Why trade unionists should control the block vote

Socialist Challenge No. 276, 14 January 1983 · p. 3 of the scan · 456 words

The scan: sc-no276.pdf (PDF, Marxists Internet Archive, opens at this page)

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page 3 of the scan

TRADE UNION Broad Lefts and Party conference.

the Post Office_Engineers, ference will achieve. •We've called this conserence because trade union leaders parat the about Party conference - take decisions wilhout proper consultation the union rank and file.

They disregard even their own union ference decisions. For example, the Union of Shop.

and Allied Trades' delegation backed ty conference though their OWIT INCIDE voted against witch-hunts.

This came to a head in clections the Executive Commitice:

Weighell's Done!

branch delegates will meet in Liverpool on 19 February to discuss controlling the block vote at Labour Speakers include Tony Benn. Socialist Challenge asked PHIL HOLT of who is closely involved, to explain what he hopes the condisgraceful behaviour typical of what happens in many right wing unions. It only union democracy but discredits the whole union movement.

think That the union lefts must get change information, contacts, and ideas and lo tr and Broad letts where they don't exist at present.

We and others on.the left, by linking up, found we were able ensure that the demand for SHOT CE was passed by Labour Party conference. We want to extend this by ensuring that union delegations oppose the witch-hunt. for ference.

The union democrac issue and the Labour Party acmocracy issuc are com pletely interlinked, and THe clued conference will be a drive to set up Labour Party lac tory branches. Obviousiv therefore. conference wil be discussing proposals to change the proportion of votes cast by the unions at the Labour Party's conference.

There is no cut and think delegates will feel the based on the unions as the CATCHO! the working Although people rightly feel emotional about the way the block vote was used. we want to ensure that it is cast as the rank and file want, under their control.

Therefore we'll look at measures like: * Opening up the way unions make their deciabolishing necessary reporting on what delega tions do and how their decisions are made. * In line with this, fighting for minorities on union delegations to have access to union journals and the right to circulate their Views. * Ensuring that there is ample time discuss political issues at union conterences. * Obviously. ensuring full time officials are elected.

would urge trade unions and broad lefts to send delegates to this important conference.

Credentials for the BLOC Conterence on rs renar from 108 Princes Boulevard Mersevside, L63 below Name.

Address.

Age.

Union/CLP (if any)..

JOIN THE FIGHT FOR SOCIALISM If you would like to be put in touch with Socialist Challenge supporters in your area or would like more information fill in the form Send to: Socialist Challenge, PO Box 50. London N1 2XP. Socialist Challenge 14 January 1983 pag

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