This conference notes with deep concern the sacking of 400 trade union dock workers in Liverpool, Britain.
These workers were the last port workers in Britain to maintain their trade union status.
They have been sacked by a notorious anti trade union company, Mersey Dock and Harbour Company, with the full backing of the National Conservative Government of John Major.
These workers have over a long period been subjected to the worst aspects of a degrading bull system.
Casual labour, hired and fired on the whim of a foreman, intimidation, kick back payments, union delegates black balloted, wages paid in waterfront pubs by foremen, was widespread.
Decent labour and trade union principles are underined by endemic corruption and government anti-union legislation.
Scabs are now being hired to replace union members on strike.
Striking dock workers are appealing to their working class brothers in all countries for assistance.
They need urgent help, support and advice.
We request that our Branch and National Officers give immediate attention to this urgent appeal.
After contact with the striking Liverpool dockers and advice from I.T.F. if this situation still exists, this conference then recommends:
Finally, we request that the A.C.T.U. be notified and they be requested to mount the strongest protest to the Government of Britain regarding their fascist like anti-union legislation and demand that it be repealed.
To: Jimmy Nolan
Chairman Merseyside Port Shop Stewards Committee
TGWU
Transport House
Islington
Liverpool L2
Dear Brother Jimmy
We have been informed by your delegation (brothers Jimmy Davies and Tony Nelson) that the dockers in Liverpool have been sacked since last September 28th.
Here in Montreal, we strongly condemn this kind of action by the MD&H, and be assured that we are going to inform all our members (900) about your bad situation. Also, we will do everything possible to influence the companies based in Montreal in order to cease their activities in the port of Liverpool as long as there is no settlement
The powerful Federation of Labour in Quebec has already been informed about your situation, and they told me that they are going to put their own International Committee in action to put pressure on the companies which still encourage this kind of archaic labour relations in 1995.
As you probably know already, all the main Canadian dockers unions (Halifax, St-Johns and Vancouver) talked with Brother Jimmy Davies and told him that the Dockers in Canada will support you.
Canadian and Quebec dockers are getting altogether behind the Liverpool dockers.
We know that oral and strategical support are not always enough in such a labour fight, please accept our financial help (5,000 pounds).
All our best wishes to the dockers and their families.
Yours fraternally
Michel Murray, President
