NIRC welcomes T&G

about by those involved.' (Mi emphasis J.G.) le reasons behind the delight expressed by this leading paper of the capitalist class is not hard to find. Here was a movement of some 8,000 workers which could have presented serious problems. But, thanks to the Communist Party, the danger was averted. le Stalinists preserved 'existing contracts' ensured lack of disruption. and finally abandoned the fight and conditions altoge her REID nd now, with the publication of the terms of employment at Govan Shipbuilders. the bosses' rapture is complete. or the deal, as well as accepting a pay rise substantially less than was asked for (see yesterday's Workers Press), also includes clauses giving undertakings of full union co-operation in a number of measures designed to increase productivity and cut costs. oreover, to quote 'The Times' once again: 'The unions have also agreed to a review of the company's planning. programming and work-scheduling procedures (clearly designed to achieve greater flexibility of labour) as well as joint discussions on the "feasibility and desirability of instituting work - study - based incentive schemes covering all manual And, of course, the boilermakers' differential has also gone. So the Stalinists have gone the whole hog. Sackings, speed-up, mobility of labour, no-strike pledges and Measured-Day Work.

The entire Tory government strategy of 'butchery' has been imposed on UCS because of the collaboration of the Communist Party at the expense of many a Clyde workers' livelihood. This is the Stalinist 'peaceful road to socialism' in action.

No wonder The Times' is grateful to Reid and Airlie. The Tories have a lot to be greedy about.

PHILIP WADE

TWO TRANSPORT and General Workers' Union officials supported the dismissal of two drivers by a Liverpool transport firm, it was revealed in the National Industrial Relations Court yesterday.

The firm, Howitt Transport of Bootle, sacked the men on August 1 when they laid off all their drivers because of the docks strike at that time.

An action was begun in the NIRC because Liverpool dock shop stewards imposed a black on • the firm's lorries demanding reinstatement of the two sacked Yesterday's hearing also marked a new stage in the T&GWU's collaboration with and recognition of the court. For the first time they were directly represented by a full-time union official from Transport House. He was Alfred Blyghton, who heads the union's legal departSensing the importance of his appearance, Sir John Donaldson, president of the NIRC, interrupted counsel for the transport firm to openly record the fact.

'It is the first occasion we have had the pleasure of Mr Blyghton's company. All three of (on the bench) would like to welcome him,' he said.

Sir John asked if the matter could possibly be settled without the court's intervention. Blyghton replied that the union would like to see the matter settled by conciliation and offered the firm discussions on the question. • Howitt Transport Ltd, a subsidiary of Howitt Brothers, was seeking interim orders against the T&GWU against the blacking by Liverpool dockers of their lorries.

The firm are situated on the Liverpool dock estate and laid off all their drivers on August 1 because of the dock strike. At the same time they dismissed New stage in union's collaboration as full-time official appears James Jones and Brian They alleged that Jones was not competent to do his job and that Dean had disobeyed orders.

Jones refused to go and was said to have gone to Liverpool dock stewards for support, claiming he was sacked because of his support for their strike.

Sometime after August l, Harold Verrinder. Liverpool official of the T&GWU road transport group, went with Jones to demand the men's reinstatenent and according to the company threatened the alternative of blacking on the docks.

At the end of the dock strike, PAPERBACKS *CENTRE 28 Charlotte St London W1 BOOKS Friday-9 a.m.-7.30 p.m.

CHARLOT TE ST GOODC ¡E ST @ TUBE TOTTENHAM CT RD all the Howitt's drivers were taken back, with the exception of Jones and Dean. Dock stewards imposed a black on the firm's lorries.

During this period, John Thomas and Mathew Tickle, two more road transport officials, confirmed the men's dismissal as justified, but were said to have told the company they could not order Verrinder to get the blacking removed.

The firm also contacted Lew Lloyd, the docks district secretary, but claimed he refused to be involved against Verrinder.

Yesterday's hearing only lasted • PERIODICALS • NEWSPAPERS PAPERBACKS CENTRE JBE 471210380 Alfred Blyghton: Sir John pleased to see him ten minutes when it was adjourned for consultation between the two sides. When the court returned, Miss Caroline Alton, for the company, asked for the case to be adjourned without a time limit so that both sides could try and settle the dispute.

It is now thought that regional T&GWU secretary Doug, Farrar will now intervene in the dispute.

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