TGWU General Secretary Bill Morris, TUC Secretary John Monks, the International Transportworkers Federation, Labour leader Tony Blair, and the British Ambassador in Canberra may be a little surprised to read correspondence signed by Newcastle MUA Joint Branch Secretary J. Boyle and Acting Joint Branch Secretary W. Bodenham.
The branch wrote in solidarity to Bill Morris: "...It would appear that the dispute has reached a stage where increased support is vital not only internationally but nationally in your country." In Australia, Maritime workers have been singled out for attack by a new government "driven by the same ideology as that of Mrs. Thatcher and Ronald Reagan which wants a union free environment. That is why we understand so well the struggle of the Liverpool Dockers and are supporting them industrially and financially, and that is why we are confident that they will receive increased support from the unions in your country."
John Monks was advised that "Because of the international nature of shipping and stevedoring companies it is imperative that the Liverpool Dockers receive the maximum support from the union movements of both our countries. We feel confident that given that support there will be a successful resolution to this dispute."
Newcastle reminded the ITF that "shipping loaded by scab labour in Liverpool is trading to all parts of the world and only co-ordinated action internationally will be effective," calling on the international trade secretariat to co-ordinate this activity worldwide.
As "it seems certain that you will lead the Labour Party to victory in the coming election," Tony Blair was invited to use the Government share in Mersey Docks (13.87%) to "set up meaningful negotiations for a favourable outcome". The branch also asked the Ambassador to "pass on to your Government our request that the Government prevail on the Dock Company to hold meaningful discussions with the Liverpool Dock workers so they can rightfully return to their jobs with an honourable settlement."
There may be a lot more to come. MUA delegates on all ships have been briefed after the recent Australian tour by Liverpool stewards Terry Southers, Kevin Robinson, and Tony Russell. The first purpose, according to an MUA circular, was to "alert Australian trade unionists to what can happen here to workers under the conservative anti-trade union government (i.e. Howard’s Coalition)" given the impact on the trade union movement in Britain of 18 years of Tory government. The tour also publicised the Liverpool Lockout more widely and set out to raise finances to sustain the dispute.
The Newcastle Branch has agreed a voluntary levy of $10.00 minimum per member, and encouraged union delegates to send messages of support to the Dockers through Tony Blair.
LabourNet report by Greg Dropkin
