from: Jesus Bijar Sanchez, CCOO delegate and member of Workers Information.

to: J. Nolan, Chairman, Merseyside Port Shop Stewards

Dear friends: On 8 September a delegation of Spanish trade unionists was received by Christopher Ingham, Consul for Economic Affairs at the British Embassy in Madrid.

The Spanish delegation was composed of 5 members, a number imposed by the Embassy. The delegation was led by Marcelino Camacho, President and General Secretary of the CCOO (Workers Commissions) the historical leader of the Spanish trade union movement. Josi Miguel Villa, General Secretary of the Service Federation FES of the UGT. Xabier Arrizabalo professor of the University of Alacala de Henares (Universidad Complutense) in Madrid and CCOO trade unionist. Francisco Lucena, member of the CCOO Executive Commission at John Deere, and myself on behalf of Workers Information.

In this reception we handed over dozens of communications from union sections throughout various parts of Spain and asked Mr. Ingham to transmit to the Blair government the urgency of the unconditional reinstatement of the 500 sacked workers. Marcelino Camacho stressed the prolongation of this conflict which requires the intervention of the Government.

Mr. Ingham explained "Labour conflicts are matters in which it falls to the parties concerned to seek the services of ACAS, the institute for mediation, arbitration, and conciliation, if both parties are agreed to do so.

He was confident that "a way would be found to conclude this matter and avoid it having a negative effect on the Port of Liverpool and the future of employment in this area".

After these words which were given to us in writing, the Consul commented to us on the lack of support from the International Federation of Transport workers. Our response was to indicate the important support which the dockers are receiving and the urgency that their reinstatement be raised with the Government in London via the Embassy, soliciting a written response.

While awaiting this response we have decided to continue explaining your situation in our country, extending the solidarity campaign.