Why we must support Solidarity

Socialist Organiser no. 73, 18 February 1982 · scan p. 16 · about 358 words

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sor Alliance, 28 Middle Lane, London N8, anu printed by East End Offset (TU). Registered as a newspaper with the GPO. Signed articles do nut necessarily reflect by Reg Race MP. THE labour movement is at ! last waking up to the importance of events in Poland. After a period of relative silence, the Labour Party has now called a National Rally! on Poland on 16 March.

The International Com-! mittee of the Party, meeting in January, passed esolution, moved by Eric leffer, supporting the objec ives of Solidarity and calling or non-intervention by both he USA and the Soviet Jnion.

The resolution also called or a ban on fraternal conf acts with the Polish United Norkers Party and the official Polish trade unions whilst the military regime continues, whilst trade unionists and other supporters of Solidarity are imprisoned, and whilst freedom of expression of trade union organisation is banned. We therefore give our full port to Solidarity in their hour of need."

How can members of the labour movement in Britain help the Polish workers?

By firstly, submitting resolutions through their trade union branches to commit their unions to an unequivocal support for Solidarity.

Secondly, by getting their local Labour Parties to pass resolutions urging the NEC of the Labour Party to give a firm lead in organising actions in defence of the Polish workers.

Thirdly, by convincing their local labour movement organisations of the need to set up local defence committees based exclusively on the lábour movement.

Fourthly, by organising naterial and financial aid to Solidarity, this aid to b hannelled through the representatives of Solidarity in Britain- the Solidarity Trade Union Working Group.

Fifthly by supporting the call of the Lancashire Association of Trades Councils for a national labour movement conference and by building this conference in their own area.

In this way we can overcome the legacy of Stalinism in both Poland and Britain. A defeat for the Polish workers will be a big setback for the working class movement and for socialism throughout all Europe.

This is why we must defend Solidarity.

Fighting for solidarity -see page 5 views of the SOA.