OVER 400 PEOPLE took to the streets and nearly 2,000 struck on 21 July to protest at the attempted closure of the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson hospital in London. Apart from a strike at the EGA itself, three hospitals were left with only emergency services as members of sir different unions walked out on a 24-hour strike at University College Hospital (UCH), St. Pancras Hospital and the National Temperance Hospital. There was also a half-day strike of 200 workers at the Royal Free ana token action at me waing ton.
The successful demonstration ended at the House of Commons, where 200 strikers crowded into a committee room expecting to near now ine local left' Labour MPs were going to mobilise the labour movement in support of the struggle. Jock Stallard announced how pleased he was to see everyone. 'Lena Jeger and I', said Stallard, 'have been opposing the closure of the EGA for more than ten years. We never had any support from the nosona workers m gad to see you here helping us to put pressure on ine secretary or stare Strikers and 'Save the EGA' campaign supporters were amazed to hear this slander on the very workers who are in the midst of the struggle. An EGA worker pointed out that Stallard had been asked several times for help since the action committee was formed and none was forth coming.
Stallard and Jeger were asked whether they would use their influence in the labour movement to fight for more strike action, and several people demanded a commitment from them to vote against the cuts. They were saved, however, by the Communist Party chairwoman who, realising that the lefts' were being put on the spot, closed the meeting. Jeger scurried out to an 'important meeting, accompanied by shouts of 'answer the question.
Stallard and Jeger's ten year fight' has consisted of cosy chats with cunas, casue wa meir preaecessors Never once have they attempted to fight in the labour movement for strike action against the cuts - and then they crincise ine EGA workers jor not supporting them! Their conception of defending the EGA doesn't extend outside of Parliament and they refuse to give a lead to the actual struggle. Strikes Photo: JOHN STURROCK (Report) the implementation of party policy as contained in last year's Composite 30 some of the measures needed to mainof the working class.
and Islington Area Health Joint Shop Stewards Committee).
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