from a London reader
On September 24th the Tmion ef Post Office Workers executive expelled Harry Jones, chairmen, Dick Lawlor, secretary, Ir. M. Styles, assistant secretary and national executive member, and four other members of the London District Council Postmen's section. They were charged with uncons itutional action by calling for industrial action in connection with the proposal by the Post Office t dpiroduce part-time labour. According to the executive industrial action prerogative of the executive, and although the decision to ban overtine was taken by an overwhelming majority it rendered the men liable to expulsion.
low the postmen are hitting back at this high-handed action by two methotds: firstly,a petition has been circulated demanding reinstatencnt, Ven members of London branches demonstrated outside UPW house at Clapham on Monday, October 5th, they handed im forms with over 6,000 simnetures. secondly, the action is being challenged legally. The solicitors for the seven announced that a writ hed been issued asainst the UPYT to set aside the expulsion, It is also expected that an application will be made to the Hizh Court for sn injunction restraining the union from inplementing ‘the expulsion pendine a hearing of the case. ome idea of the bad feeling that has been created can be guaged from the fact that an invitation to Mr, ln smith, secretary of the union, to attend a sacial organised by the Mount Pleasant branch, has been withdrawn, At this social Ron Smith was to have received a f€2,000 donation from the Mount Pleasent men to the union's fighting fund. Postmen at the West Central sorting office sare reported to have demanded that the money be returned, HOBERT WILLTS TO: TAKW PART IN W.0.5. "BALLOT RIGEOIG! PRORE
The TUC have announced that Robert Willis, general secretary of the National Graphical Association, hes been appointed by them to take part in the "ballot rigging’ investigation in the National Union of Seamen. ‘The committee of inguiry was due to hold its first meeting on October 6th. Ita four members are all sea-going momber of the NUS. (See Week Vol. 2 No. 11)