'THIS is Thatcher's Britain.' That's the verdict of Laurence Scott strike committee after police smashed up our picket line on vesday. the day the police occupied Openshaw Manchester, where we've now been on strike for ten months.
It was the day when the forces of law and order showed what life will be like under Tebbit's law. The police aided and abetted Laurence Scott manageto dismantle motors the facLOr. All leave has been cancelled throughout Greater Manchester and 400 to 500 police led by the Tactical Aid Group (the same as the Special Patrol Group) laid into our pickets as 10 lorries went in the back.
Denis Barry. convenor, was snatched "The strong picket as diversion ano o . steward, Phil Penning. were anestes. police made quite whose side thev were on despite pleas that thev are impartial' They wouldn't even 'legal •LTe pickets.
Our DOSS Snipe, hasn't on o the had police Tebbit's Territorial Army but the active support of engin.
union leaders, Boyd and Duffy. The two of them have sabotaaed everv stade of our struggle. But after ten months fiant for jobs, we're taking on Boyd and Duffy as well.
We have launched a campaign, using rule 14 in the union's constitution, to demand a ballot Tor lne removal of the executive.
As rank and file support pours in, Boyd and Dutty have hit back. In a vicious smear artiCien sunday press and Daily Mail, tney accuse us or trying to topple Duffy in order Labour Party and replace Michael Foot with Tony Benn.
Denis Barry is surprised: 'Boyd and Duffy have to go flying to the gutter press for help. We haven't got leadership. They're about useful as woodworm a cripple's crutch. Duffy told one of us, "I'Il tell you what democracy is: it's doing These people have got a Too right. What happened on our picket line this week is the sort of Britain that the likes of Boyd and Duffy want.
They're not concerned with fighting for their members' interests, in Tighting to save jobs.
And the other trade union and Labour Party leaders? They've much to say on Tebbit's bill but where are they when Phil e need them AS Penning Sole •Empty against rebbit are not enouch need support for battles like ours.
The best way defeat Tebbit is here on Laurence Scott's picket line. movement support. We want ine wnole move ment to get the our rule enolneers 14 campaign. to support Everyone should raise the issue at every Labour Party and trade union meeting they go to Back the 24 hour picket Laurence Scott, Louisa St, Openshaw Tel 061 231 4434 Rush money and messages of support to G Fryer 20 Roundcroft, Romiley, Cheshire We want the miners and other trade unionists black Laurence Scott and ducts. With that sort of Mining Supplies support we can win.
We're determined to SUICK OUL. Without support, not only will we lose our jobs but what we have seen in Manchester this week will only be a foretaste of Thatcher's and Tebbit's Britain.
Manchester
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