When the election was held last year, the miners' strike was dominating the political scene and the new realists had been humiliated by the banning of unions at GCHQ.
The right in the labour movement was in retreat, only. six months after unveiling their at the 18th tue: nom an Now, in the wake of the miners strike they are staging a concualk The TGWU is vitally important this fight. The media, under cover of concern for democracy, is determined to give the new realists every possible help. Wright is carefully playing the media gallery on this question.
His latest step is to try descredit the union's callioardu InTorm members of the ballot. His aim is to present himself as a strong leader', who will establish firm central control of the union.
This would mean curbing the power of the shop stewards and the branches, and a step back towards the days of Deakin and Bevin. victory for Wright would be a big boost to the new realists. It is clear that if Todd wins, right media will discredit the election as much as possible.
Their long-term aim is ance me worko aca elections in favour of DOSta ballots, to discredit the upcoming ballots on political funds. Wright is taking full advantage of this support to press forward his campaign. Last year, in a very different mosphere he was at pains to tone down his policies, present himself as a 'middle of the road' candidate.
This time he aims to the media solidly last time will not be standing and have thrown their support Todd. Todd therefore starts out will a very serone Chance. but the media campaign will undoubtedly intensify in the next weeks.
Clear It will probably be necessary to win the help of the print unions to deTene the TGWU. essential therefore that the left makes a clear stand or the policy issues - against laws, defence of political funds, defence wulk black against postal ballots. The union's opposition to the realist of the TUC must be explained and defended.
In addition, the basic disloyalty of the right in their use of the media and the implied threat of court action against the union should exposed. It is essential that the left fights for the maximum possible turn-out at the workplace Votes. . The best answer to the media now is the most open and Call paign throughout the channels of the union. unity between the TUC af-