Grunwick picket fades away

Press, 22 August 1977, Page 9

Grunwick picket fades away

NZPA-Reuter London About 100 strikers and I eft-wing friends danced into the early hours on Saturday to celebrate the first anniversary of the Grunwick factory dispute, which became a street-fighting arena for British political rivalries. some women pickets stood vigil at the factory gate, in party dresses before going on to the emotional birthday party at the Alexandra Palace bailroom in London. The dispute began when 130 workers, denied permission to join a trade union, walked out of the film processing plant a veat ago alleging "slave labour” conditions. It became a sort of politi-j cal street theatre, with almost daily battles between up to 2000 pickets and the police. More than 300 people were arrested as Britons ; fretted over ethical questions of freedom, union andi picketing rights, and politi-1 cal violence. The firm, at Dollis Hill in north London, now says it is! booming despite union attempts to wreck its cut-price

trade, and the Grunwick; Street show is playing to thinner audiences with a cast that seems to be mel-j ting away. Daily picket numbers are! down as low as 20 compared to at least 1000 a day when the affair was at its height. Some 18,000 people took part on a “day of solidarity” rally last month outside the factory. Reporters no longer turn up in droves to watch, and j Right-wing supporters of the Grunwick owner. Mr George Ward, no longer daily ride the works buses through howling lines of pickets. Miss Yana Mintoff. daughter of the Prime Minister of Malta (Mr Dorn Mintoff), ;was among those arrested, and so were members of Parliament and well-known trade union leaders. The mother of the chess star. Bobby Fischer, hurled herself in front of a works bus. | For members of Britain's [small Trotskyite parties, appearance on the picket lines was essential. They ( joined token delegations! from trade unions all over i the country.