A test for Knapp

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devastation for working people in Horwich and Shildon.

"The Horwich JAC are determined to stop this closure. We will fight these attacks on abour Committee on Ireand, BM Box 5355, London NC1N 3XX. DESPITE all Sid Weighell's mudslinging, during the recent election, the post of General Secretary has been taken by Jimmy Knapp who was elected by 63% of the votes cast.

This result is a rejection of Sid Weighell-type leadership, represented by Charlie Turnock.

Knapp has been described in the media as a left. But compared to the other three candidates, who isn't?

He is in favour of unilateral nuclear disarmament, against incomes policy, and for building unity with ASLEF.

An encouraging sign that democracy is on its way is Jimmy Knapp's willingness to stand for reclection every five years and a recent proposal put forward by the national executive, that delegates to the annual general meeting shoula be chosen on political grounds and not because "so-andso is a nice person and deserves a fortnight's holiday, all expenses paid» as is the case now. Let's hope they both materialise.

We will have to wait and see what he actually does in practice. Already he has said he wants to build unity with the right (collaborating with management). That can only mean not doing what we need to do to defend our jobs, wages and conditions.

•The first test for Knapp will be the closure threat to the BR workshops. And what about the Serpell Report. Will we just have a paper protest with leaflets and a petition, and then watch them tear the railways apart? Or will we have action? What about the death by a thousand cuts that is alréady happening to lines around the country? And what about our pay claim to be lodged this April? Are we going to have the same farce as last year?

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..er.in.:.".

Socialist Organiser no.127 April 14 1983 Page IMPOVERISHED AND INCURABLE

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families tooth and nail, and by TROOPS OUTI NOW!