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From Militant, No. 652, 27 May 1983, p. 15.
Transcribed by Iain Dalton.
Marked up by Einde O’Callaghan for the Encyclopaedia of Trotskyism On-Line (ETOL).
THE ENGINEERING industry in Bradford district came to a standstill for one hour on 19 May, in support of 45 workers sacked by Hindles engineering company.
Hundreds of workers turned up to a solidarity rally at the factory gate.
Both Hindle and the Engineering Employers Federation, confident of victory, chose to make an example of this small group of workers in dispute over a pay claim, but the plan backfired.
Since 13 March, a constant picket has been maintained.
Ray Andrews, AUEW Divisional Secretary, explained to the rally:
“... this dispute has been deliberately and carefully planned, not just by Hindle but by the Engineering Employers Federation.
“Over the years we have made concessions to the bosses but now they’re trying to screw us into the ground. We can’t afford to lose.”
In the words of Henry Wilkinson, Regional Officer, “A district of this size can beat a company the size of Hindles.”
Pat Wall, Labour candidate, Bradford North, addressed the rally on behalf of Bradford Trades Council.
“This company should be called Swindles not Hindles. What we’re talking about here is not a group of striking militants but a small group of ordinary decent workers who went through the normal industrial procedure over a just pay claim. Because they dared to disagree with the dictates of the boss they’ve been flung on to the dole.
“The bosses are using the fact we have 30,000 unemployed in Bradford to intimidate and threaten workers. ‘Either accept our orders or you’re out, and we’ll give your jobs to someone else.’ This struggle is not just one for trade union rights but one against blackmail, not just an industrial struggle but also a political one.
“These dismissal notices were issued with the full backing of the Tory government thanks to Tebbit’s legislation. We must stand firm, we must win, you have my full support and that of the Trades Council.”
The rally ended with a suggestion by chairman Peter Walker that the workers shouldn’t dash off but wait to say “how do” to the scabs still at work!
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Last updated: 24 September 2020