Leanington Socialis hallenge grou LAST WEEK 30 members of AUEW/TASS went on strike at Automotive ducts in Leamington. This followed a worker's suspension for refusing to work with new technology computer data system — introduced by the company without prior with the union. Factory The strikers are picketing the factory, explaining their Case lo other workers plant and asking lorry drivers not to deliver. sisting that agreement with the unions has to be reached before Bulletin Michael company has sent breach of contract Propay staff and agement creases increased flexibility. agreement leadership on union rights.
and Socialist at the started Engineer's They •are new technology is introduced; that suitable remuneration for those effected be provided; that proper health and safety stanel Edwardes out letters telling the strikers they are in and that they cannot come back to work until they are prepared to use the new equipment. In current negotiations both shor floor Swindon. have tied wage inagreement on reduction of staffing levels and The majority of the union representing the 6,000 workforce has been unprepared to oppose this attack But militants inside the plant, including supporters of Socialist Challenge Worker have producing fusion.
Charter
bulletin arguing the need for a united trade union opposition to the company's plans. THE DAMAGE caused by Moss Evans' stab in the bad was graphically illustrated at BL's Pressed Steel plant i For years this factory has been one of the least militant in the Leyland combine. But on 15 April 3,000 transport workers fet lowed the lead set in the midlands and walked out as soon as management attempted to implement the new conditions in the Edwardes package.
Leading shop steward Tommy Tucker summed up the deter mination of the strikers when he said that Edwardes was 'sticking his neck out and he'll get his throat cut'. The enthusiasm showe the workers for the strike was hailed by another steward who said "the sleeping giant is at last waking up.
But three days later, at a Friday morning mass meeting, th Evans/Edwardes deal had thrown the workers into a state of com 'A bloody great sell-out' was Tommy Tucker's comment. The workers, by a six to four majority, still voted to stay out. But ievitably Tuesday's mass meetings noted the return to work vote a other plants and voted to go back. Socialist Challenge 24 April 1980 Page 3
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Following in Edwardes' footsteps