secretary, 'the time is ripe to produce this Chater for Black Workers as part of the TUC's total campaign for justice.
Certainly the time seems rotten-ripe as blacks lose their jobs at twice the lace ot Whites: as raid factories in search of "illegal' immigrants. as racial violence increases daily.
The charter, launched on 16 June, was prepared by the TUC's equal rights committee in consultation black organisations like the West Indian Standing | Conference and the Indian Workers' AssociaTO Chaper is promone purpose of the the integration black WUIKCIS the to argue against racism in the workplace. ana to nei black workers overcome language and other disadvantages.
Recruit The TUC launched its charter with the St Paul's, Bristol. and Brixton events in mind.
The anger of black people and their determination to take matters into their own hands can be seen in the new political structures that are developing, such the -TOSS Massacre Action Committee, the Asian Labour Party Alliance and the various defence committees.
The TUC is attempting to get control of this situation by sorting out its own house.
The charter proposes the removal of barriers which prevent blacks from office the use special black members; culcaliulial Halcildi, use of union journals; baiting racism at work; using social clubs; the TUC opportunities Cuudi clause; job recruitment policies and language training.
While the charter useful as the basis for discussion it has important shortcomings.
The frustration felt over inaction on racism was summed up by Mass leafletting of workplaces, schools, shopping centres and housing estates For leaflets and information contact Coventry ANL, PO Box 75, Coventry. the National Front and local Asians West spokesperson for the Indian Standing Conference at the launch of the charter. Crisis 'We can't see the TUC sitting there talking about persuasion. Positive are required positive answers to the crisis we are in. The talking nas got to stop,' he said.
Len Murray answered that the TUC can only persuade, it has no authority to compel unions to do anything, and then proceeded to say that 'if there is any instance of racial discrimination in the trade we want to know and we'll take action.
But what sort of action isn't spelled out.
in reov to a question about the lack of support black workers dustrial disputes, Murray Len Murray and Bill Keys visit Brick Lane in East London during the 1978 confrontations between • did the TUC do enough?
replied that workers were automatically right, THE Home Office has reversed its decision to deport Toes. DEFENC
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ACCORDING to Len Murray, TUC general
Anti Nazi League Day of Action Against Racism Coventry Friday 3 July