This conference is internationalism

Tony Mulhern, representing the 47 victimised Labour Councillors who donated £20,000 of their defense fund to enable the Liverpool dockers to hold the conference said that when the 47 took the unanimous decision to make the financial contribution it was the week when the sacked dockers were voting on the £25,000 offer from the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.

'Some were apprehensive ' he said. 'We have all been involved in redundancy. Cash on the table is a big factor.

It was a magnificent vote of the Liverpool dock workers to reject that offer. They are fighting for jobs for the future and for conditions to be built up. Our fathers and their fathers before them established these conditions.

'This vote is a tremendous inspiration. They are not bluffing - they are serious to win this battle. Every one of the 47 victimised councillors is proud. There is no doubt that the history of this struggle will be told in the future.

'Every May Day we hear leaders talking about internationalism. But this conference is internationalism.'

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