I call on all Trade Unions to take Industrial Action in support of the RMT in its strikes for an increase in pay and in its defence of its members who are threatened will the loss of hundreds of jobs as Rail Operators and the Tory Government plan to reject not only RMT''s legitimate claim for a wage increase but plan to outlaw strike action in those sectors it deems nessesary.
Faced not only with rejection of its pay and jobs claim the RMT and it's members are facing new laws which will prevent the Union from being able to defend its members, a law which if enacted is in breach of the United Nations, International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the European Union.
When faced with an attack against its right to Strike, Trade Unions and trade union members should act in defiance of this unlawful act ! I am appalled by the refusal of the Leader of the Labour Party to support RMT and it's members.
0ur movement throughout the ages have defied unfair laws. Trade Unions won the right to exist through taking industrial action. Not because of benevolent politicians but through strike action.
Women won the right to vote not because of members of parliament but through the bravery of the Suffragettes who took direct action to force the establishment to give in.
Today it's our turn to emulate our great trade union leaders such as Keir Hardie, James Connolly, Jim Larkin and A J Cook who inspired their members to fight.
I am sick and tired of listening to politicians who support the Right to Strike in Poland and in the Ukraine but oppose workers in Britain, threatening workers with fines, imprisonment and the seizure of Union funds.
We have to fight back, We should start by standing side by side with RMT. Take action and the Rail workers will win.
The Miners with support of other trade unions showed the way at Saltley in Birmingham in 1972. We can do it today by taking industrial action with RMT.
Arthur Scargill
President
National Union of Mineworkers 1982-2002 and
Leader Socialist Labour Party
20/6/2022
