speeches that JONATHAN SILBERMAN reports.
Can a conference representing 251 trade union bodies call strike This is one conference. For the delegates did deed pass a resolution calling a day of solidarity with the strike 00 December, including the call Tor strike The National Rank and File Delegate Conference in Manchester on Saturday attracted 522 delegates from 251 delegating bodies. The conference passed a resolution in support of the firefighters" strike and endorsed a declaration on the way forward for Rank and File.
The delegates heard many militant speeches and a great deal of information about local struggles. But at the end of the day its not the feeling of elation on hearing fiery counts, bul what comes afterwards.
There was little opportunity to discuss the viability of the call. the Chetile made no promison on the firefighters" Te ke not the ECSOIOBOU distrihuted to the delegares in advapot. Indoed delegates could be excused if they didn't realise December. Paul (Strathclyde FBU) who. moved observed, the resolution dida't mention the strike call. Only one delegate speaking from the floor referred The tD 7 December Certainly the feeling of the building solidarity action. It was also for building the type of movement inat could electively organise such action. But Jack Robertson the editor of Engineers Charter posed the real question when he diference bet ween the rank and -There file, the millions of rank and file trade unionists, and the Rank and File Movement which comfine minority of the rank and INVOLVED AGAIN There were good ideas from the conference. The resolution also (loes for other disputes.
These are vital, but such Socialist Challengo supporters in the Civil and Poble Servants Asociation will be meeting in Funder dealls from December SUERIIS Challenge Centres in Birming Glasgow, Manchester sad London. (See columa on page 14 for phone Conference Satuday 10 December 11.30em NUFTO Hall, Jocheys Inn Fields London WC1 • Fight for Action on the Pay No to the Cuts - Far Union Democracy Bicicos Trom ron Fanion B8 Stride Road, Portem outh Tel: 0705 817707 autboritative broad hased local committees are not enough. Alan Thornect (British Leyland, Cowmade the point when he sald, 'everyone wans to orguist the rank and file but around objectives?
But there was litrle discussion For example on the Granwick strike, Kamlesh Gandal, chairreceised a standing ovacion. He appealed to the conference to make suggestions on how to win the strike Kamlesh wa i the last before lunch, but after furtle. contribution ou Gruowick and no answers were given to Gan dhi's appeal.
Such omissions were illustrat ed in a speech by Martin Murph •look after the little things and the big chings will Jook after thiaes te strike action one One could ask in reply, December)
Not content with apending C14 Greater Mangiven to show pratitude lo the heads of firms that proviced their premisea and OLIC TECHOS Noveir ber, these loyal citizens -including local heedteschen presented plaques. They gre inscribed with tha wor WIN STAR ARRESTE BASISE ance rendered on B.10.77. Chief constabin Jamos Anderton maan Whilo awaits his reward from the NFL
----- pull-quotes -----
CAMPAIGN in NUPE National