The new Rule 14 is simply the first step by the TUC to stifle any resistance to men cass colaboranonist porcies.
As opposition grows to unemployment and the cuts, trades councils have been playing a leading role in organising local protests against the Government's policies. Now the TUC is attempting to shackle trades councils, turning them inTO LIC MOULIDICCCS LOT IS DONCICS I the labour movement rather than the co-ordinators of action against Labour's Tory policies.
Despite ine debate and disagreements at the meeting on the best way to fight Rule 14, there was total unanimity on the need to mount such a campaign throughout the labour movement. The dangers of the new rule have already been seen in Sheffield, where the Trades Council has used it as an excuse to dissociate itself from the Working Women's слалс uroup.
Birmingham Trades Council, meananue nas ocen intoimca by incul that the annual conference of trades councils can't actually discuss Rule 14 because...it's against TUC policy! Stirchley AUEW No.2 branch, which was to council meeting opposing Rule 14 and mandating birmingnam Trades Counci delegates to vote against it at the annual conference, will now have to take the issue to the union's Executive CommitICC Although Rule 14 is aimed at curbing. the activities of trades councils. the fight against it will have to take place first and foremost in trade union branches, passing resolutions to their executives for debate at the TUC annual congress in September.
In Camden the AUEW, Central London ACTS (TGWU white collar section) and several other branches have already thrown out the rule. But if trades coun cis Incunserves are to orovice me tocus of opposition to Labour's anti-working class policies and the TUC's sell-outs, than they too must fight to reject or reverse Rule 14.
To prepare for the lobby of the TUC When Brazilian dictator Geisel visited Britain last week, he spent most or nis time closeted in buckıngnam Palace tixing up a variety of business deals - all paid for with the sweat and blood of the Brazilian workers and peasants, of course. venture out, he was dogged by pickets protesting at the visit.
But Latin American solidarity cannot begin and end with one ViSit. As if to emphasise this - and the strong links being forged between the different repressive regimes - an urgent appeal was issued last week to save the life of Edgardo Enriquez, a leader of the Chilean MIR.
Enriquez was arrested on 10 April, not in Chile but in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires - a clear warning to those in Brighton, a much broader and more representative meeting for all trade unionists and trades council delegates is being built on an all-London basis for 26 June. Militants in other areas should also be putting in resolutions supporting and sponsoring the lobby of the TUC nOW Only a campaign mounted at every level of the trade union movement will succeed in defeating the TUC's latest pter prosenpuon and alu tie working class in its coming struggles.
Details of transport to Swansea on 22 May from Camden Trades Council Defence Committee, c/o 164b Haverstock Hill, London N.W.3. democrats.
ing of 1919. work force "decree on extremists. WEEKLY
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the campaign against the TUC's new 'Black Circular", Rule 14. This proposal was endorsed at a meeting called by the Camden Trades Council Defence Committee last Friday which was attended by 50 trade unionists, including members of 12 London trades councils.