Socialist Organiser

The weekly of the fused Workers Socialist League, July 1981 to April 1984

Women agains Tebbit

Socialist Organiser no. 81, 22 April 1982 · scan pp. 9–10 · about 471 words

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with the iories now! local government services have been singled out for particular attack by the Tories. Jobs have been decimated in the school meals service and women's' employment such as cleaning is increasingly being contracted out to non-unionised labour.

Women's Fightback believe that Tebbit's Bill hits women workers particularly hard. If passed it will:

*Outlaw strikes or industrial action against public service cuts.

By tightening the definition of a trades dispute, the Act could outlaw any action not "wholly or mainly" related to a trade dispute. This would jeopardise industrial action in local government; the health• MEErUIN UI MUIREIS CUSHILLees and organisations, most of which exist already as part of the routine self-defence and self betterment of the working class: stewards' committees, combine committees, etc. We must transfuse into these bodies the urgency of preparing for a head-on clash with the Tories, and equip them with the necessary democratic structure and flexibility to mobilise millions of workers for that clash. service; civil service; teaching; all employers of millions of low paid women.

*Outlaw disputes between worker and worker.

'Women's' work is currently most vulnerable to deskilling and job loss through the introduction of new technology. Any dispute arising from new work practices, e.g. introduction of new part-time staff into banks, would be unlawful. Women will find it more difficult to defend the status quo and their jobs. Grading disputes between men and women workers could also be unlawful.

*Outlaw action against non-union contract workers.

This has direct implications for:

-solidarity action to ensure negotiated pay and conditions -solidarity action to recrui contract women into unions. Women currently ghettoiser into the lowest paid jobs suc as cleaners can therefore expec less supportive action fron better organised workers.

*Outlaw action supportin; foreign workers.

Any solidarity action taker to support exploitation o women abroad - in multi nationals, South Africa, thi Third World - would be unlaw ful. This bill will prohibit ou right as trade unionists te organise effective support fo them.

Women's Fightback calls for:

*One day strike against thi Bill.

*Complete boycott Tebbit's law if passed.

*Demonstrate for a woman' right to paid work on 5 Jun‹ and against Tebbit's law.

WOMEN'S FIGHTBACK PUBLIC MEETING To discuss the implications of Tebbit's Employment Bill for ørganising women workers, and how to fight it.

FRIDAY 7 MAY at 6.45pm A WOMAN'S PLACE 48 WILLIAM IV STREET LONDON WC2 (Leicester Square tube)

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The irish Republican socialist party, formed in a split from the Official Republican movement in late 1974, zod its armed wing, the Irish National Liberation Army, are among • the heading organisations in the Catholic tesistance in the North of Ireland. In reporting in Socialist Organiser on the Southern elections this February, John D Mahony criticised the IRSP for failOrganiser no.81 April

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Or STRIKE SToPIL TEBBIT

← Contents of Socialist Organiser no. 81

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