C.S.U. backing promised

Press, 11 May 1984, Page 4

C.S.U. backing promised

The . Combined State Unions have promised the Federation of Labour that they will join in a joint campaign of industrial action to achieve political solutions to their mutual problems. The chairman of the C.S.U., Mr R. Burgess, told

the conference that they were witnessing “the most savage attack” on trade unions and their members for many years. Not just positive leadership was required — lemmings had positive leadership as they ran off the cliff he said. Just to keep walking forward whatever the consequences was the height of folly. Intelligent leadership was needed. Co operation between the C.S.U. and the F.O.L. would lead to unity, and the concept of the Council of Trade Unions would benefit workers by strengthening the ability of trade unions to

achieve their objectives. A joint campaign by the C.S.U. and F.O.L. on the right to bargain was needed because taking away that right took away the right to freedom, Mr Burgess said. Government actions had had the effect of “derecognising” trade unions. Workers had thought at the start of the wage-price freeze that they would get a fair deal after the 12 months were over, he said. Now workers could see the full consequences; unemployment had gone up instead of down, and the freeze seemed to have no end.