Industrial militancy is on the increase. It reflects a general mood in the
workplace that enough is enough. The Blair government is not only confronting
the first national firefighters’ strike in 25 years, but is facing action on a
number of other fronts. This has raised the spectre of another Winter of
Discontent similar to the one faced by the Callaghan government in 1978/79.
From day one, the government took a belligerent approach to the firefighters.
Blair scandalously attacked the "Scargillite" FBU and accused it of
being under the control of "politically-motivated" leaders, which was
reminiscent of Wilson’s attack on the seamen’s strike in 1966, led ironically by
John – poacher-turned-gamekeeper – Prescott. There have even been noises about
undermining basic democratic rights by banning strikes in essential services.
The government then called upon its crisis committee, Cobra, to deal with the
planned walkouts by the firefighters. Shamefully, this LABOUR government even
considered using the army to cross picket lines and seize fire-fighting
equipment from fire stations. Despite the sop of an "independent"
inquiry, Brown announced that there was no money for "inflationary pay
settlements" or "quick fixes". "He [Blair] is now preparing
for a hard, rocky, even alarming winter", wrote rightwinger John Lloyd in
the London Evening Standard.
But the government has taken fright. They fear the firefighters’ action will
escalate, resulting in the closure of tube and mainline stations and other
workers staging walkouts over safety cover. Already London Underground (LU) has
announced the shutting of 19 stations on safety grounds. But LU management hopes
to run the rest of the network despite the dangers. Rail union leaders are
correctly arguing that thousands of staff stop or not report for work if safety
is put at risk.
This issue itself is a powder keg as rail bosses threaten to dock pay from
absent workers. These tin pot employers – who will be well away from any danger
– have even threatened disciplinary action against workers if they fail to turn
up to work. This could bring rail unions into direct confrontation with their
bosses.
Other sectors could be involved such as nuclear power plants, factories and
refineries and even petrol deliveries could be affected. This could lead to
shortages and even power cuts. Other unions, including Unison, the TGWU, GMB and
Amicus – representing 4.5 million workers – could advise members not to work.
With the government relying upon the old Green Goddesses [outdated army fire
engines] manned by inexperienced soldiers and with no cutting equipment or
breathing apparatus, it is a disaster waiting to happen. Shaken by the stand of
the firefighters and the danger of the dispute spreading, the government has
stepped in to open negotiations with the FBU. However, bringing forward the Bain
Commission and talking of a 16% rise over three years with strings, is an
insult. In practice it amounts to not much more than the original offer of 4%
that was overwhelmingly rejected and which led to strike action in the first
place.
The full claim – a wage of £30,000 to risk their lives – is a just claim.
While firefighters understandably do not wish to take strike action, they have
been completely ignored. It was only the threat of militant action that has made
the government sit up and listen.
It is therefore the duty of all trade unionists to rally around the
firefighters. The TUC has correctly come out in support of the FBU. Their
dispute represents a beacon to all those low paid public service workers ready
to fight for better wages and conditions. A victory for the firefighters, will
be a victory for all those fighting to abolish poverty pay. That is why there
exists a high level of public support for these frontline workers.
This firefighters’ dispute – whatever the eventual outcome – represents the
opening shot in a new stormy period facing Britain. It represents a fundamental
turning point. Socialist Appeal has repeatedly explained that we have
entered the most turbulent period internationally since the Second World War. A
series of general strikes have rocked Europe, from Greece, Spain and Italy.
France has been shaken by mass demonstrations against privatisation. Now Britain
has become affected by this changing mood, reflected by the shift to the left in
the trade unions.
The working class suffered 18 years under the Tories. The Blair government
has attempted to continue where the Tories left off in creating the "most
deregulated economy in the western world". But enough is enough. Workers
have reached their limits in stressed-out Britain, where they have faced attack
after attack on their conditions and rights at work. After years of defeats and
setbacks, confidence is beginning to return.
The British ruling class is alarmed at the situation that is opening up in
front of them. Unless a deal with the FBU can be hammered out soon, they fear an
all-out confrontation that will spill over to wider layers of workers. This
could even reach semi-general strike proportions. Despite their kept press
weeping crocodile tears over "our brave firefighters", they are quite
prepared to wage a scurrilous campaign of slander against the strikers when it
suits them.
For now the government, fearing an escalation of the dispute, have entered
negotiations. But the Blair government is caught on the horns of a dilemma.
Unless they are prepared to offer a substantial amount, they will not be able to
resolve the dispute. If they do give a substantial amount this will give
inspiration to millions of low-paid workers. Behind the scenes, they are
attempting to offer all kinds of partial concessions with strings attached. But
the firefighters are determined to stick it out for the full claim. Before any
agreement is finalised, the rank and file must be fully consulted through a
recalled conference and ballot.
This dispute also clearly shows that we need to take this struggle into the
Labour Party itself in order to cleanse it of all the Tory infiltrators.
Socialist Appeal gives its unequivocal support to the firefighters in their
struggle for the full claim. Their victory is our victory. In the words of the
great Irish trade union leader James Larkin, "The great only appear great
because we are on our knees. Let us arise!"
