Containers: T&GWU takes first step against militants
By David Maude
1972David MaudeDocksIndustrial Relations Act Read the scan at ETOL (PDF) →Read from the scan by machine and not corrected: headlines and words can be misread, and a caption or advert can run into the text. For anything you quote, read the scan.
Our industrial correspondent A NEW and dangerous phase of the docks crisis opens up today with a series of meetings which full-time union officials will try and whip their members into line with the National Industrial Relations Court.
The meetings-planned at a three-hour conference of officials called by the Transport and General Workers' Union on Friday-take place in every port alongside union attempts at national level to find a formula to end the containers row.
• Dockers are being forced by the Tories, employers and their officials towards a dangerous trap; there are also signs that some of their unofficial leaders may be helping to set it.
Latest port to feel the NIRC lash is Hull, where the T&GWU called dockers to a mass meeting today.
The 2,630 men will be told that the union could face a further big fine if they refuse to obey last Thursday's court order against the 'black' on the container firm Panalpina.
A test consignment will be sent to the port's King George dock tomorrow. If it is blacked, further court action could follow quickly.
In Liverpool meanwhile, docks stewards will be meeting T&GWU official Lew Lloyd today • to arrange a mass meeting at which he would report Friday's: conference.
There the union has been given until June 2 to stop the blacking. Failure to do so, says NIRC president Sir John Donaldson, will lead to the court asserting its authority 'in an unmistakable manner'.
Mersey docks transport drivers have also been called to a meeting today.
In London, a series of one-day strikes scheduled to start today as saying that while job-loss of after talks between employers and tally clerks' officials.
T&GWU leaders • are desperate tor a negotiated settlement.
Little has so far emerged from their talks on the subject with Employment Secretary Maurice Macmillan and the port employers, led by G. E. 'Bill' Tonge of Hay's. Wharf.
It is believed, however, that Jack Jones, T&GWU general secretary, and docks secretary Tim O'Leary may be coming • TURN TO P. I2.
Pross, Monday May 22, 1972