Asian sacked

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Organised If you agree with what we have to say, you can help. Become a supporter of the Socialist Organiser Alliance -groups are established in most large for more information, write at once AN Asian worker, Mr Athiringar Velayudhan, has been sacked from the Ford Dagenham body plant for refusing to submit to. a passport check at work.

The case illustrates the increasing use of passport checks as a process of growing internal controls, but also the racism of the labour movement.

' Despite an Industrial Tribunal ruling in his favour, the plant unions have refused to force the management to reinstate him.

Mr Velayudhan had been working at Ford since 1973. In November 1981 he was advised by his doctor to take sick leave after having undergone a serious operation. He used the time to visit his wife and children in India.

He returned in February 1982 to be asked by a Ford Personnel Officer for his passport. He refused, as he was entitied to, and the management response was to sack him for 'absence from work in unacceptable circumstances' Since February Mr Velayudhan has sought help from his union, the GMWU, and his TGWU section steward. Both unions told him to produce his passport. They refused to back him despite the fact that he was entitled to refuse and that he had broken no company rules by going to India on sick leave.

The inaction of the unions should be condemned. It opens up all black workers to future racist victimisation.

The need to bund a genuine anti-racist leadership within workplaces becomes more burning. Anti-racists within the .. GMWU and TGWU should demand removal from office of all racists, and build solidarity for this black comrade.

EVERTON WILLIAMS Socialist Organiser is not just a We fight to organise workers struggle for a new leadership labour movement.

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To 'Get Organised' in the fight, us at 28 Middle Lane, London N8. Name Address paper. in the in the

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