SINCE last have braved police harassment in 18.5 rupees a day - less than 60p.
Despite the fact that 70 per COTH women are members of the Iransport and General Workers Union, the union is not recognised by the bosses. The women have been trying to discuss their conditions with the company since September, to no avail.
When they tried to ban overLie. Seven suspended 'for not their overtime period' and the majority of the women walked out on strike.
They demanded a wage increase (that they be paid an equivalent day) reinstatement of the suspended medical facilities in case of illness.
December strikers attempted to hold a meeting near the factory which was viciously by the police, hospitalising three women and injuring others — of the women hospitalised was ave monts arcenant. Leaders of the strike have women Polytex Garments factory in Jaela, Sri Lanka, violence and their fight for decent better wages and working conditions. The women, many of whom come from rural areas hundreds of miles away from the factory, earn only They work sewing jeans, blouses and shirts for consumption in the United States and Wester Europe.
subsequently been charged the emergency since many of women come from rural areas, they live in boarding houses near the factory.
Since the strike started, the anatores have asked some to leave, others have had their rent but up. officials have been beaten Wespite the financial dif bosses' ficulties the women determined struggle for the elementary rights and living standards.
Help the Polytex women: per and fight o: H President of the Socialis Democratic Republic Lanka, the Mawatha, Colombo 10 Send messages of support, do their tine secret. at- of their union:
ATTO Marcus.
Challenge will give further news of the strike in subse quent issues.
Wing unemployment million and massive debts now bosses' externally.
SPD hardly has a record as defender of class interests, German that the situation demandmuch than the prepared to take. country's legislation Turn Line Heeding their masters' voice, the FDP did a quick turn around and transferrca ten aneglances to te right-wing Democratic Unior Union and their rabid bed-fellows thugs. the Christian Social Union (CSU) headed Helmut Kohl are The their Democrat most alliance lost sharpening up the policies SP. They began te SPD.
and spending, in order to Excellency and a nuclear reactor proof Janadhipthi Tried out in the context of a real decline in workers' living standards, W.L unemployment Ra- economy in a spiral.
As well as these problems, there is a growing popular HIUYCHLECILE replaced the FDP which reached political scene.
Although the working the /est Christian liberal alliance SPD was military terest German Sidice. the Lion min line, Christian Pressure by Christian and FDP time States strategy.
began social benefits were pressure from This is being carWInE mass and bourgeois political downward Wing. year as and worsens. focused at preas the One of the most important aspects of this mass peace movement is its opposition to NATO. Both out, fully committed to the Atlantic Christian Alliance and to NATO's plans Although the international recession the between the Wes workers.
bourgeoisies over, for in outcome Sovie pipegeneral the • slogans and political "Return allegiances are very strong. many.
the majority The last thing the ruling class wants to see is a bust up with the United over military another reason for them to This was yet them alliance. manoeuvre the SPD out of office, as the SPD leaders tions closely their leftand the ⅓ of SDP and branches who are against the siting of the missiles too for The polarisation of the Oppressed parties and inside the SPD itself is just at its beginnings and will deepen over the comthe political economic crisis The while necessary, are a huge gamble for the bosses.
While it is likely that the FDP could be wiped the ruling class are putting their money on a Democrat majority which would be able impose a Thatcher/Reagan-type expense of the But it is not at all certain that this will be the the the CSU is order Her.
Prevent the Red-Green chaos There is a possibility that bined votes will give them Whether the Greens would work with the SPD is another matter but the immediate threat of the missiles may bring into an uneasy The result of the elecwill be watched by leaders of the Soviet Union. will be an important event the workers and Particularly in Europe, the elections one way or will have on the shape and development of the class struggle for years Individual copies 65p Other DOOKSTOR 328 Upper St.
London NI. Subscription £l6 for one year Senc Checes posmade out to Lenoir, 93/08 Montreuil, France.
Socialist Challenge 28 January 1983 page 9