The Tuc Demands

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And sexist... women discuss immigration laws, p.6 Campaign conference sets plans for action, page 13 Belated call for all-out strike IT'S JUSTICE FOR NHS I militancy in dribs and drabs. But it's not dead yet! beaith shop stewards' comm- for a full-scale general strike NUPE already has a mandate campaign in the hospitals committee to convene Do the first day of all-out and areas natting the argu- national conterence OF wIs action. as preparation. iser Alliance N AT LAST, after seven months of dispute, the TUC health services committee has decided to recommend an all-out strike.

So far, so good. But the problem is that many health workers feel that they have been led up the garden path for far too long.

It will be a real fight now to get majority support for all-out action. It can be done. But it will need a major campaign to mobilise our members, pointing out the stark choice - either fight now, vote yes for an all out strike, or relinquish not only the 12% but thousands of jobs and services to the Tory blood-letters.

Arthur Scargill's energetic campaign in the coalfields for miners to vote yes to strike action should be a model for us.

Several months ago, the response of the membership to an all-out strike call could not have been in doubt. But far from providing the escal. ation that was demanded, the Health Services Committee continued to pursue the weary tactics of selective and partial action.

Let-down

In many hospitals, militancy and workplace organisation had never been stronger. The membership were clearly beginning to flex their muscles for a real fight with the government. Real practical solidarity action was beginning to emerge, culminating on September 22 in the most widespread class action since 1926.

But the call for an all-out strike never came. September 22 was followed by the let-down of the regional days of action.

On October 21, at a four TO hour meeting, the TUC health services committee announced the all-out recommendation. A cynical view of the committee's decision would indicate that the health union leaders doubted the willingness of the membership to respond, so now felt it was safe to make the call and wrap up the dispute.

Wrong

We must prove them wrong. Although the regional stoppages have taken their toll it is still possible to win.

Manv stewards and activists have welcomed the strike call, whatever the motives of the Health Services Committee, and are preparing to fight for a 'yes' vote among the membership.

We must demand that the TUC leaders actively JOHN HARRIS ments for all-out action at mass meetings and appealing lor a solid vote in favour.

NUPE leaders, in particular, should be doing in the hospitals what Arthur Scargill has done in the coalfields.

And we should call for the TUC health services ittees, to endorse the all-out strike call and launch the campaign for it.

They should give the all-out strike call bite and weight by calling for a commitment from the TUC for a one-day general strike if the Tories still refuse to budge.

The fight against pit clos ires, against job cuts in steel, and against privatisation of British Telecom, should be linked with the NHS fight.

The consultation proce dures or some or te unions Auna of anma of tha unione hava vat to ha datarmined tor all-out action Irom Its annual conference. NALGO is committed by its constitution to call a ballot of'the membership.

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socialist Organiser no. 106 October 28, 1982 Page weRK WE

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NOT TOO LATE WIN!

by Anna Lunts

De Loreal Racist laws