Date: Thu, 7 Mar 96 08:40:02 GMT
From: Adam Rose <adam-AT-pmel.com>
Subject: Re: Labo(u)r Parties in Aust & UK (was Conservatives win Australian



>
>     Carlos:
> 
>     I read that postal workers, railworkers and Miners are completely
>     on the side of SLP?  Is this true.

No, it isn't. Where did you read it ?

I'm not sure Scargill even has the backing of a majority of the NUM
executive.

A majority of the RMT executive ( railworkers ) has gone over to the SLP.
But, this does not been the RMT as a union now supports the SLP. First, 
all the officials are doubtless still Labour supporters. Second, to get
the RMT to affiliate to the SLP would require at the least a vote at
conference and possibly a change in it's constitution - and there's
no way the left has the support in the union to achieve that, even
among union activists.

Some in the CWU ( post ) have as well - certainly not a majority.

> Also, what about the rank and file?

There is certainly a significant amount of interest. There was a well attended
meeting in Manchester recently ( c 80 people, perhaps 40 "normal" people ). I
couldn't tell you about recruitment. I'd guess about 1,000 members ?
Perhaps slightly fewer ? Will Brown may know better.

There is significant interest, some real support. Mass party it isn't.
To get a sense of proportion, this is peanuts compared to the support
Tony Benn had in the early 80's. He was addressing meetings of thousands,
week in week out.

Of course, after the election we could be talking about something different.

Adam.

Adam Rose
SWP
Manchester
UK


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