TUC gags Trades Councils Conference

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THE 59th Annual Conference of Trades Councils was a "lowkey" affair. Not surprising, as TUC instructions are: "no motion or reference back can be accepted which is in conflict with declared Congress policy. " To protect this advisory-only status, the TUC General Council elects a majority 10 • representatives (compared with the conference's 9) to the Trades Councils Joint Consultative Committee (TCJCC). And at the chairperson's right hand sits John Monks (appointed TCJCC secretary).

Conference opened with almost its only. contentious motion - lost by 92 votes to 93 - which proposed regular reports to trades councils from the The increasing political pressure put on unemployed centres by the Manpower Services Commission was evident: the TGWU "Record" was said to be too "political" by an MSC visitor to one centre, and another centre was told that MSC funds would be withdrawn if Peoples' Marchers were received into the centre. (Two marchers addressed the conference).

Not one motion on international questions or women was on the agenda. However, the conference ended with two attacks on the TUC and Labour leaders' hypocrisy over the Falklands/ Malvinas. One highlighted support for the right of "peoples" to self determination in the Malvinas, and the denial of it in Ireland.

The other pointed out that the TUC had "put on the butcher's apron which is the Union Jack to recruit sailors to go to their death in an operation designed to keep Thatcher in power" . Both contributions received considerable support from the conference.

No motion mentioned Ireland. The TUC is again threatening Tameside Trades Council with disaffiliation (for showing a video about which an anonymous informer objected to the TUC). Tameside Trades Council has unanimously affirmed its right to discuss what it chooses including the war in Ireland. Messages defending this right should be sent to J. Monks, TCJCC, Congress House, London W1.

First time The first thing to strike this first time delegate was the very low proportion of women delegates - barcly 20 out of 223 (although creche facilities were available not one delegate brought his/her children) - and the completo ubsence of any written Standing Orders or i Standing Orders Committee. But despite the constitutional and procedural stranglehold of the TUC, half the trades councils in England and Wales send delegates. Why?

No doubt some delegates come, see a charade, and go, never to return. Others come to provide uncritical support for the TUC. But most delegates attend because they know a meeting of trades councils has enormous potential and in the meantime it is useful to exchange information and experience if not form policy.

It was an early conference of trades councils in the 19th century (not of national-level unions) that led to the establishment of the TUC; the conference used to elect representatives to the General Council.

Subsequent "rationalisation" by the bureaucracy has eliminated the troublesome complication of constitutional powers for trades councils, because they might be important organs of progress.

This year's conference threw out a motion to abolish the "talking shop". • The alternative at this stage must be to fight for the right of the Trades Councils Conference to send a strong delegation to the General Council and for the right to put up motions to the TUC Congress.

Women's broadsheet -for copies senı a stamped adressed envelope to N19.

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