Pitisss
The following lettor has been sent to a number of local papers, it ix too early to say whether it will be published yet:-
"Once again, by an overwhelming majority, the strikers at the Acton Rootes group factory, the British Light Steel Pressings concern, hava decided to remain out on strike. They have been out for nine weeks in face of hostility from practically all sides, Tho employers, most union leaders (only the Shoot Metal Workers have declared the strike official) and the press are against them. They are supposed to be under the influence of Communists, Trotskyists and Anarchists.
It is no little thing to face privation and hostility for so long, Moreover, as their leaders have pointed out, the strikers include all shades of political opinion. They read the same papers as the rest of the population and can, therefore, 'read all about the plots'. I think it is only reasonable to assume that the strike has remained so solid because the strikers are absolutely convinesd of the justice of their cause,
The whole point of their struggle is to prevent the going back to the good old days in the motor car industry when employment was largely seasonal. Tusy believe that instead of sacking workors, that the work should be shared by reduci::.; the working week, Their policy is, incidentally, the policy of all the unions concerned. The difference being that whilst some only pay lip service to the pol:ry the Acton strikers are actually fighting for it.
Talking of plots, I believe that there may actually be one. Not on«. hatched in Milan, but one eriamtbing from the motor car industry employers. During September the number of cars in stock increased by 14,000. This kind of thing ceil give the employers a govd opportunity to settle accounts with the shop stewards committees which in the past have given them so much trouble. They, perhaps, thi that they can use the period betwoen now and when the demand for new models necus:« itates high capacity working, to weaken the shop stewards committees. Hence thers tough policy which is aided and abettod by the Govornnent, which seos this as an important battle in their attempt to impose a 'wages pause!',
I beliove that tho right to work, which the Acton strikers are dofai.' ing, to be a fundamental one. To those who are worriod about tho disruption of industry I say direct your protests to the right quarters,!