[AT LAST it seems that a breakthrough may…]

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AT LAST it seems that a breakthrough may be in sight for the 40 women still on strike for union rights.

In a surprise turnaround in his resolve not to discuss with the NUTGW members picketing for their jobs, Rulecan boss Rattles had a discussion with the General Secretary, Alex Smith.

He was said to have agreed to reemploy the remaining strikers in a new factory, with union rates and an agreed fall-back rate of £50 for a period of time!

This news was given at the meeting called by Joyce Clare of Liverpool NUTGW shop stewards and the two Executive Board members for the North West to explain their actions over the dispute.

It was more than obvious that the striking women were in no mood for excuses.

They clearly had the support of other shop stewards in the union who also expressed dissatisfaction at the way the EB members seem to be accountable to noone once they are elected to the position in the union.

The suggestion of actually removing these two so-called representatives was very much in the air.

After a hostile reception from the strikers, Communbe proved with wage slips from the workers.

Rattles will have to pull something else out of his bag of tricks to win his case.

This employer has already threatened the union with an injunction against a leaflet produced calling for blacking of shop goods and the blacking of warehouse goods.

Yet - as stated at a meeting of shop stewards last week, this is the only action which will bring a victory to these women striking for union rights. ist Party member Hentry Suss admitted they were wrong to lift the blacking and that the leaflet campaign was putting a great deal of pressure on Rattles.

Then the surprise deal was announced.

Not surprisingly, it should be treated with caution. One of the clauses was that the official involved in the strike would no longer be allowed to represent the factory and another official would take over.

It seems that this was agreed by the General Secretary. But as he is now out of the country (I'm sure in the interest of his members!) everything is in the air.

The decision of the shop steward, Joyce Clare - to carry on picketing, and to call for the reintroduction of blacking and any sympathetic action - is the correct policy unti the women are actually given their jobs back and written agreements are received by the union.

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