Humber Labour Briefing no. 4

UE

JOBS NOT BOMBS!

RECENT CANVASSING for the local elections has proved that local and national issues are

inseparable in the consciousness of the electorate. Two subjects predominate :

JOBS and BOMBS.

Speak of Hull's "Innovation Centre" and people refer to mass unemployment. Reference to Hull's "nuclear free zone" calls out comment on Greenham Common and "cruise".Seen in this. context, it's clear that for many people a General Election presents Britain with a clear choice - either a vote for more jobs, or a vote for more nuclear bombs. It's understood that both are not compatible. A vote for Thatcher is a vote for arms escal-— ation and unemployment.

DANGEROUS DOGMA The dogma that supports monetarism increases unemployment, and that which supports the deployment of cruise missiles increases the nuclear arms race - and is therefore potentially much more dangerous. While preaching multinational disarmament, the Thatcher government practices unilateral re-armament. This is understood by many millions of people in Britain - not all of them sympathetic to Labour. Labour's policy on cruise missiles is crystal clear: we are against them. This policy now has the support of the majority of the British people.

L.C.C. ROLE Our job in the L.C.C. is to ensure that party policy is maintained and implemented; and implemented in the face of internal opposition from the right-wing. Our economic policy is not unrelated. Savings from the abolition of nuclear weapons can assist our investment plans for industrial recovery and job creation, while keeping down the

level of inflation. These are powerful arguments in an election year, because the Tories will undoubtedly claim that our economic strategy is "inflationary".

Our reply should be: JOBS, NOT BOMBS!

The Tories will make much of their own counter-—inflation policies — but what's the cost? The Tory riseiin unemployment has been three times greater than under Labour, for much the same record on inflation and at the expence of an 8% fall in living standards.

NAKED EXPLOITATION Stripped of its ideology, monetarism equals the reserve army of unemployment. It's a class weapon that weakens the organized strength of labour in the interests not of small businesses or ‘enterprise’, but of monopoly capitalism. And just as Thatcher works so thoroughly in the interests, of herm:class, the L.eC.C. intend to ensure that Labour politicians, local and national, work uncompromisingly in the interests of

~~ MAY DAY GREETINGS

FROM HULL AND DISTRICT LABOUR COORDINATING COMMITTEE

ZONE APPEAL

Local CND and END supporters are disappointed that Hull City Council's Labour leaders have chosen not to make Hull's 'nuclear—free zone! an election issue. Hull has been more active than Humberside County in promoting nuclear disarmament, and Labour wards and constituency parties have given solid support to the Hull END and Humberside CND activities. In the face of Liberal~Alliance splits, Labour is in a strong position to make a clear appeal to the large numbers of Hull people who, as polls show, are sympathetic to CND.

Labour ought to be going all out to promote

a 'nuclear-—free' Hull. As a resolution to last month's City policy conference (typic-— ally not discussed) suggested, there is a

lot more which can be done. Hull could follow the example of other Labour councils in distributing information about the local nuclear danger to all ratepayers. It could black contractors who work on nuclear bases, as Southwark and othershave done. It could work officially with local peace groups, like Bradford. It could set up a Nuclear Free

Zone Committee, and appoint a Peace Officer, like Sheffield.

Hull END is circulating its own questionnaire and policy statement on nuclear policy. Hopefully this will show that the vast majority of Labour candidates are fully behind an active nuclear-free policy. Humberside CND has organised its Peace Festival on May Day -— a traditional day for peace as well

as socialism —- and this gives Labour leaders and members a chance to demonstrate their commitment to nuclear-free Hull just four days before the local polls.

- WOMENS GENTRE

Concern is growing amongst women in Hull regarding the re-location of the Women's Centre, which is under a compulsory purchase order on its present premises in Middleton Street. Women's Centre supporters have been assured by the leader of the City Council and the Chairperson of the Housing Committee that new premises would be found. But time is passing by. Hull needs a Women's Centre — Please take the issue up in your local ward or trade union branch and write to the Housing Department, Queen's Dock Gardens, stating your support for such a centre, and requesting that action be taken soon.

1.

3)

4)

5)

6)

qd)

8)

ANSWERS — on page four.

Peace Quiz....

How much explosive is at hand today for each person in the world?

a) 1kg TNT

b) 10 kg TNT

ce) 15,000 kg INT

Where are the most nuclear weapons

stored? Tain tHe ussne b) in the middle of Europe c)) ingthe USA

How many dollars are being spent

each minute world wide on military

ithenwiae. 50 dollars

b) 5,000. dollars - c) One millian dollars

How many children are dying of starvation world wide each minute? a) four b) twenty c) fourty

In wars occuring since World War Two, how many people have died?

a) 1 million

b) 10 million

c) 25 million

How many scientists are working world wide for A) Cancer research a) 20,000 b) 450,000 c) 1,000 B) Peace research a) 20,000 b) 450,000 c) 1,000 C) Military armament a) 20,000 b) 450,000 c) 1,000

The UN Plenary session labels the use of nuclear weapons as — a) ‘dangerous but necessary for mankind! b) "crime towards mankind! c) "unique and efficient deterrent!

How many times can super—powers mutually bomb each other out of existence?

a) two times

b) twelve times c) twenty times

This quiz was

distributed at Greenham Common by a Swiss women's peace group.

owe orwnive ror WOMBN 6 ee « TORY PLANS FOR WOMEN . . »« TORY PLANS FOR WOMEN

WE ARE NOT AMUSED

THIS YEAR'S NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF LABOUR WOMEN, TO BE HELD IN JUNE, takes place at a

time when the position of women in our society is at its worst for many years.

fhe Tory 'Family Plan' with its commitment to the 'traditional' family, to replacing provision of state care for the old and handicapped by 'community' (ise. women at home) care, and to generally 'ecouraging! women to return to the home and leave paid employment for men, is just the logical consequence of Tory policy. It is an attempt to disguise the true level of unemployment, since many women, ineligible for benefits, do not register and are therefore not included in the figures.

CUTS Cuts in public spending particularly hit women.e Seventy five percent of all working women are employed in the public services sector, where many of the cuts have been inrade. Women's unemployment is rising four times as fast as men's. Cuts in services force women out of paid employment in other ways by leaving responsibility for tne care of the old, sick, handicapped anc children to the individual, which alinost invariably means women, making working at all impossible for many women and Forcing others into the status of parttime workers with low pay and vulnerability to redundancy.

POSITIVE ACTION against this, the Greenham women have kept women at the forefront of political action for peace, and against the wasteful spendiny of billions on nuclear defence, money which could be used to create a basis for Greater equality. One of the yrowing demands from feminists in the Labour Party is for a commitment to positive action going beyond a_ passive notion of non- ‘iscrinination by actively promoting eziality - including positive ciscrimination for women both inside the Party and in society as a whole. If the Labour party acknowledges the need for a radical redistribution of wealth and power from those wno have to those who have not, it must be prepared to extend the sane level of coumitment to all exploited anda oppressed groups, including women, and acknowledge the inadequacy and profoundly capitalist nature of the call for mere equal opportunities. Gwenneth Dunwoody's anpalling answer to: calls’ foroosi tive «4 ation at last year's National Conference,

that) "2D Got hene by omy own vefforts sand iise 3 24 J

. L Cri

can you" would not be accepted from the mouth of someone who had escaped from the working class, and cannot be accepted by any party with a serious commitment to equality for women.

POPULAR APPEAL Positive discrimination, though, must take place within a context of a wider form of positive action if it is to be effective in helping the mass of women rather than an elite few. A commitment to the provision of free childcare facilities and increased facilities for the care of other dependants are an essential basis for this. Increased welfare spending alone is not enough. What is needed is a radical challenge to the existing work structure in which 40% of working women are forced to work part-time and most others have to work the 'double shift’ of full-time job plus domestic and child-care responsib-— ilities. Fundamental to this is the demand for a shorter working week. The commitment to a 35 hour week in the Alternative Economic Strategy is a step in the right direction, but what is needed is a commitment to an even lower working week, 30 hours without loss of pay, as a starting point for even further reductions. This would end the disadvantages faced by those women who work part-time, and allow men, as well as women, time to take on domestic responsibilities including childcare, initiating a basic challenge to the assumption that children are only women's responsibility, which the introduction of such things as paternity leave, and childcare facilities at workplaces with a high percentage of male as well as female workers, will further challenge.

Lex.

NEXT LCC MEETING: Tues May 10th 7.30 “rades & Labour Club, Beverley Rd. JOHN GRAYSON (WEA) — "NUCLEAR POWER KILLS!" co-sponsered by Hull END & Hull the: Barth:

Teast r ec ok BeTIGS Os

ON ee ee

————

Pa FIGHTING FOR A RADICAL ALTERNAT BRIEFING: editorial policy

THE EDITORIAL POLICY OF THE HUMBER LABOUR BRIEFING, PUBLISHED BY HULL AND DISTRICT LABOUR COORDINATING COMMITTEE IS: - All editorial meetings are open to all LCC members

~ There is a right of reply, @f. nov mor ‘ - Articles on any Labour movement-related subject, of not more than 200 words will be considered for printing by the editorial collective.

If you wish to contribute to Labour Briefing ring 226647

L.C.C. : what is it?

THE LCG IS a coalition of socialists within the Labour party who have united around basic, broad socialist policies, which are: - a commitment to policies and ac

ests of the working class

- a commitment to greater democracy and accountability within the Labcur

movement

-~ a commitment to the struggle against sexism and racism

- a commitment to unilateral nuclear disarmament Nee

- a commitment to turning the Labour party into a mass campaigning party For further information on LCC ring 443243 (Keith)

Tip of the month

HGW LOVGET ONS

Md Jad dy \Halltan(20thyAprild: reported now a 24 yeér old man who joined stoneleige olant and transport company

straight from school and started out driving dumper trucks has been appoin= ted to the Board of Directors. In its enthusiasm to present another success story of the opportunities offered by private enterprise, thé 'Mail' forgot to comment on whether this young man's fortune in being the son of the owner of the firm played any part at all in his promotion$

QEKRKRHHHOSHEHEHHEHOHHHHOHHHHA

PEACs QUIZ —- How Many Dia You Know? Answenss “dies, i )iuags B)ereisue 4)acbe

5). C3 GA) wari GBVe GIy 46E) ros

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DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE

FRIDAY -MAY: 20th... The Editorial meeting will take place at 7.30. For details ring 226647 (Val)

e than 200 words, to all articles

tions which defend and advance the inter-

BACE PAGE BRIE PING

FUTURE MEETINGS

Lec Business Meeting: Tues 7th June 7.30 Trades & Labour Club, Beverley Rd.

DON VT) HORGEID sei jie! fel le: 'e

Tues 5th July DAVID BLUNKETT (Leader, Sheffield City Council)

Friday 8th July DENNIS SKINNER M.P. & JOHN PRESCOTT MeP. — (meeting co-sponsOred by Huli LCC, Bast Bucher. and Lribune)

Both meetings 7.39 Trades & Labour Cluc, Beverley Rd.

HOKOHSHRHHHHRAHHRHRHHAHAHHRHSHHEHHE

GOBSYS SRUISE MISSILES! HOUSINGL:: WOMEN'S RISGHTS$ SDUCATIONS CIVIL LIBERTIES$

ee «.e « « On these issues and many more it is vital that a Labour government be returned to power. If you're not already a member of the Labour party, then you could offer your assistance with canvassing in the forthcoming (??) General Election. Contact: Bro. Charles Brady, Chairperson,

Hull City Labour Party, 66 Wright Street, Hull.

Humber Labour Briefing is published by Hull and District Labour Cobrdiat ating Committee, c/o 9 Poland Street, London; and printed by 'VOICE!.

LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL

——————

ee AM LIANAIDNY

You are invited to a Public Lecture for the Hull Trade Union and Labour Movement

on

WILLIAM WILBERFORCE AND THE COMMON PEOPLE

to be held in The Trades and Labour Club, Beverley Road, Hull on Friday, 10th June 1983 at ResoG pes

Speaker: John Saville Chair: Tony Topham

Admission Free Questions and Discussion

Sponsors: Transport and General Workers’ Union, Region 10

Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers, Hull District Boothferry Ward Labour Party

1983 marks the 150th anniversary both of the abolition of the slave trade in the former British Empire, and of the death of William Wilberforce, MP for Hull, and leading campaigner against slavery. Many celebratory events have been organised by the City of Hull and the University, to commemorate these events. It is clearly right to celebrate the abolition of slavery in these ways. The British Labour movement has been in the forefront of the politics of liberation, including noteably its support for black emancipation, and its

opposition to current discrimination against the coloured population of Britain.

William Wilberforce however, was not consistent. In the annals of British labour, he is remembered as an arch-opponent of trade unionism, and of radical, libertarian political thought and action. The people of Hull, therefore, should be reminded that the legacy which Wilberforce bequeathed to posterity requires very critical examination, for his record in matters of common justice and decency for ordinary people in Britain merits comparison, for example, with the anti-trade union politics, in our own day, of Norman Tebbitt.

JOHN SAVILLE has been a friend and associate of trade unionists and socialists in Hull for many years. He was a student at the London School of Economics before the war; served for six years in the Royal Artillery, and in the last two decades has been co-editor of The Socialist Register and is currently chairman of the Council for Academic Freedom and Democracy. He retired last year as Professor

of Economic and Social History at the University of Hull, and is one

of Britain's most distinguished labour historians.

/THE POST

Hull’s Independent Newspaper

ahh

Campaign for Press Freedom affiliated organisation

THE POST - A NEW INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER FOR HULL

Hull Community Press Association will be launching a new newspaper for Hull in June. Here is some information about it which may interest your branch or group.

Hull Community Press Association

Hull Community Press Association was formed earlier this year to provide the basis for the launching of a new monthly independent newspaper, "THE POST". HCPA runs an open co-opera~ tive group which any individuals or organisations can join and be entitled to voting rights and a voice in the editorial policy of the paper. The venture came about after discussions at a public day conference on community newspapers held at Spring Bank Community Centre in February, 1983. The Assoc~ iation holds weekly meetings at the Black Boy, High Street on Sunday nights at 8pm. THE POST

The paper will aim to cover affairs in the community in a

number of ways - investigative reports, reviews, a what's on guide, and so on, It aims to provide a radical view of life in Hull and district and will be a forum for alternative opinions on matters of local interest. The first issue is issue

planned for the beginning of June, with the second

in August. After this bi-monthly start to get the paper launched, October will begin the full commitment to month

by month production, in a sixteen side A4 format. THE POST AND YOU While having no specific political affiliation, "The Post"

aims to provide for the community a paper which combines soc~ jal investigation with concern, care and celebration. As such it is hoped that community groups, Womens Groups, Trade Union Branches, Peace groups and any other interested parties will welcome the paper as a lively arena in which to debate views on issues of current concern and interest to the general population of Hull. They could also make known their activities as well as finding out about other people's. "The Post" will welcome and consider any input in the form of articles, news, information or enquiries as well as providing an advertising service for any groups wishing to use it. HCPA feels that the community, labour and womens! movements in Hull need a lively channel of communication, "The Post" can provide that with your support and help - it will be your paper.

Advertising & membership rates

Membership of HCPA costs: Waged individual, £1; Unwaged 50p; Affiliated group or branch, etc. ole

Advertising costs: Full (A4) page £50; half, £30; quarter £18; Eighth, £10. Other rates, discounts, etc., on request.

Enquiries to: "The Post", PO Box 102, HULL, HU2 OPX., or ring Hull (0482) 447263 or 210580.

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University of Hull Industrial Studies Unit :: Hull Unemployed Education Project (HUEP)

invite you to a Day Conference

on

SOCIALLY USEFUL WORK: ALTERNATIVE TO UNEMPLOYMENT

on Saturday, 4th June, 1983 from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. tn STAFF HOUSE, THE UNIVERSITY, COTTINGHAM ROAD, HULL

Speakers: Dave Pelly, from the Centre for Alternative Industrial and Technological Systems, North London Polyteehnte (CAITS)

Brian Lowe, from the Untt for the Development of Alternative Products, Lanchester (Coventry) Polyteehnte (UDAP)

Chatr: Tony Topham, Industrial Studies Unit, Universtty of Hull

PETE Pe eae Ie

This conference is designed to present to Hull and Humberside trade unionists and academics, to the unemployed and the voluntary movement, the ideas and experience of two research units which have brought together the thinking of trade unions and sympathetic academics, about unemployment.

Both CAITS and UDAP were founded by the Lucas Aerospace Shop Stewards' Committee, following the production of their Alternative Corporate Plan. Both institutions are also supported by their local education authorities, and by educational charities.

For some years now, the Lucas workers have been actively exploring ways in which manufacturing industries might be converted to the production of items of a socially useful nature to counter redundancies and plant closures.

At CAITS, the massive employment potential shown clearly in the Lucas Plan

is being explored in a whole range of projects. Apart from the Lucas Combine, CAITS has done studies of alternative employment for several other trade union groups, such as those at Metal Box and Shell. It is also working on Arms Conversion and the promotion of local employment initiatives.

At UDAP, engineers are working on the development of hybrid vehicles, condensation heat pumps, waste paper as a fuel, kidney machines, computer storage of boat plans, power packs, and aids for the disabled. The Unit is also engaged in local community employment initiatives.

To: Tony Topham, Industrial Studies Unit, Department of Adult Education, University of Hull, 195 Cottingham Road, Hull

I/We will attend the Day Conference on ‘Socially Useful Work', on 4th June at the University of Hull. Please order lunch(es).

NAME(S) ADDRESS (ES) TRADE UNION UNEMPLOYED (please tick)