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Copied with thanks from the Workers’ Republic Website.
Marked up by Einde O’Callaghan for ETOL.
Johnny Byrne, Irish militant working on the railway as a porter at Paddington, was refused an extension of his six monthly permit to remain in this country. No reason was given. No complaint was made at his work. His employers denied responsibility and stated that he was a good workers and they were willing to keep him. There is a shortage of porters on the railways.
This is a clear case of victimisation. Johnny Byrne was an active member of the NUR into which he had recruited many Irish and other workers. He had recently been elected a delegate to the DC of the NUR and delegate to the Works Committee. He was a delegate from his NUR Branch to the South Kensington Labour Party.
He has been particularly active in assisting the building workers to organise and had noticed in this activity he was being shadowed by detectives. He distributed Socialist Appeal among his workmates.
He was given only a few days to leave the country and thus did not have time to get his case known and acted upon by his Union and Labour Party branch.
Conditions are bad enough in Southern Ireland but as a victimised militant, it is virtually impossible for him to obtain employment.
Any donation to assist him would be welcome.
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Last updated on 20.5.2004