C.B.R. sell-out. Mi 4. Political notes

from an industrial correspondent The term "sell-out" is an emotive one and should be used only when the issues are extremly clear. Judging from the statements of the C.B.R. lockout committee, the leadership of the National Union of Hosiery and Knitwear Workers deserves the condemnation of the entire labour movement for its action in calling off the 8-month-old dispute at C.B.R. Jersey Mills, Brighton. As readers of The Week will know from previous articles, the dispute started when workers at C.B.R. were locked out for refusing to sign declarations to the effect that they would not join a union. Previously they had been expected to work 72 hours a week at half union rates. Their stand has won respect throughout the labour movement. Despite the behaviour of the union's leadership, the dispute will continue unofficially, with the support of the Brighton Trades Council. The latter in a press statement pledged full support for the workers involved and expressed disappointment at the outcome. It official statement complained that "the agreement now reached was made without the slightest consultation at local level." Contributions to the lockout fund are now needed more than ever and should go to: C.B.R. Appeal Fund, 21, Vale Avenue, Patcham, Brighton, Sussex. According to a press release from the lockout committee, dated 9th December, "Yesterday, the President of the NUHKi came to Brighton to communicate a settlement he had reached with C.B.R., as follows: (1) It is a fundamental right that workers may belong to a trade union. Both parties accept this. (2) It is understood that one of the functions of a trade union is to negotiate on behalf of its members. (3) During the dispute, sufficient labour has joined the compnay for the plant to be fully manned at present and therefore no employment opportunities existe (4) The parties agree to use their best endeavours to reach a better relationship. (5) On the basis of the above understandings the parties agree that it is in the interests of all concerned that the present dispute is now terminated. "The locked out NUHKW members object both to the settlement and to the way it was reached. Firstly, recognition and reinstatement are interdependent. Roffe has never disputed recognition but he dismisses employees who join a union. The above agreement could have been reached at any time....lle object, secondly, that there is no point in ending the dispute at this time. The CBR Lockout has aroused nationwide interest, since at CBR the minimum working week is 72 hours. Last Friday was also the 250th day of the lockout, and we had received many messages of support..." The statement then gives details of messages of support from Ernie Roberts, the president of the N.U.J. ’ etc. "Thirdly, the president himself said that it was a fait accompli. We were not consulted, and we were not allowed to discuss the settlement. ‘The men were offered sums of money up to £200 each if they signed a document over a 2d stamp agreeing that the dispute was ended.....The president also refused to attend a meeting with Brighton Trades Council, although the Appeal Fund launched by. Brighton Trades Council has contributed a third as much financially as the umion. The men consider themselves still in dispute with CBR. They will continue..to picket daily. We wish all those who have supported the CBR lockout to know that this settlement is false, unreasonable and undemocratic. We remain members of the NUHKW and will request NUHKW members to question the conduct of union officers..."