Learn the lessons of our failure-Fine Tubes strikers

THE FINE TUBES strikers yesterday formally wound up thelr strike three years to the day after It began.

At a meeting In the Amalgamated Union Collate e Workers, Of Engineer. ing headquarters, the 31 strikers, who have been battiing against the anti-union policies of the US-owned company since June 15, 1970, made the last arrangements to find new jobs.

The meeting unanimously thanked the strike committee for their efforts during the dispute and also thanked all those in the trade union movement who have supported the action financlally and with blacking.

Dick Willams, secretary slave say their black on Ryton goods means they are taking part in the dispute. They have been told to report back in a week's time for stocktaking-a job normally done by outside contractors.

All the signs are that Chrysler is digging in for a long and desperate fight to break shop floor resistance to the fullest possible operation of the Measured-Day Work system.

I think we : could be out a long time,' said Mr Lake. 'But it's a question of who can hold out longest.' DAVID MAUDE IN PLYMOUTH of the strike committee, said afterwards: 'This is an extremely sad day for all of us. I think that we have to congratulate everyone who has backed us over the last three years, but say that the trade union movement has to learn the our failure to wịn this strike. 'One thing is certain. this has set pattern in the south west.

No employer WIll De aDle to get away with what he in the past. Where people were afraid to strike previously struggle has been an example and PERKINS diesel engines, who locked out 5,700 workers from their Peterborough plant this week to try and break an overtime ban, have asked for talks to open with the unions and Department of Employment officials in London today.

This is a retreat by the company from its 'no talks under duress' stance. But Norman Beckett, shop stewards' chairmap, said it was not certain if Perkins were prepared to discuss parity of wages with MasseyFerguson, a related company in Coventry, which is the men's demand.

Men are continuing to be laid off at Massey's, which uses Perkins' engines for tractors, but proper contact has not yet been established between Peterborough and Coventry at shop steward level.

Picketing continues and outside contractors have removed all equipment from the Perkins plant. Only office staff remain at work. Negotiations and appeal over getting Social Security benefits for the locked-out men are continuing.

ALL TRADES UNIONS ALLIANCE MEETING Issues facing Chrysler worker Monday June 18 7.30 p.m.

THE ELASTIC INN COX STREET COVENTRY think It's true to say that pay rates have been increased all over the area.' Picketing of the Fine Tubes factory, from which the strikers were sacked over their pay claim, was called off on Thursday.

Hermann Welch, chaltman of the strike committee, said that the reason was lack of support from other trade unionists.

Another member of the strike committee, Dave Edwards, said the lesson of the dispute was that the trade union officlaldom must be changed.

'Disputes such as at Fine Tubes must be fought politically, he said.

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