Interview with John Doran, senior NUPE shop steward Why do you think NUPE members have been singled out for these cuts in pay?
The local council thought we were the weakest secof council workers because many of our members are women who work part time as cleaners and school dinner staff. They think that women just work for pin money.
family on one wage. Also with the present level of unemployment of our members are the only breadwinner in the family.
How important do think this dispute isto win this one Defeat will floodgates for other authorities to alter of service for their workers. If we lose, it could the transport workers teachers and NALGO members next in Coventry. Alcady know that the city counci will try to £3½m off the budget for 1982/3.
What has been the level of support from other local government unions?
Most unions have sent out instructions their members not to carry out Socialist Challenge NUPE members work. Large collections have been held in schools for the hardship fund but NUT members have received all instruction national level to cross our picket lines The local NALGO branch officials seem to be sitting on the fence. They have instructed SHCHUCLO to respect our picket lines hut refuse to instruct them to close the schools or organise levy on members. Nor have they organised SUDOULL who refuse our picket line.
This is despite a petition calling. for the union GWU stewards called fo i one-day stoppage in sur ort of NUPE of all loc council workers and no crossing of picket lines to make deliveries It is clear that action must be escalated and supportcu by completely shut down the schools and colleges if we are to defeat the council.
While they can offer of schooling our action will be urdermined.
What efforts have boan made to inform workers outside the lacal 78 Novomber 1981 Page 8 authority of the reasons NUPE members are on strike?
A special strike bulletin has already been distributed to engineering firms and the local coal and NUPE stewards have spoken local workplaces. see a return to workou On what basis can. The Council withdraw the letter containing changes in terms of employment. If we return to work on anv other basıs it will be a defeat. We cannot negotiate on the basis of accepting any proposed cuts wages that the is quite happy for us to stay because it will save them money this But stands to save a lot more if we are defeated.
Interview by Maureen Shevlin the van sones.
SUPPORT NUPE STRIKERS On £12.50p strike pay for full time workers and f6.25p fo par NUPE members Will soon ar Send messages support and donations Little to at our say