THE MANCHESTER Campaign against Tory local government attacks got under way on 6 March. Manchester saw its biggest ever demonstration 15,000 marched in a tremendous show of unity between the council, the employees and the community.
Every council was represented. Many workers took the whole day off.
Forty per cent or the demonstrators were women.
The rally Val Stevens, - chair of the council's coma opportunities committee, spoke or une neca for unity or those most under threat. raam ouncer cader ol the council, explained that allu council in Manchester was committed to defending ABOUR&T.U, when Labour Party, council jobs, improving services, and that this local council would not make cuts, lose jobs, or raise rents - and it was not prepared to set a rate.
Bob Litherland MP gave support and paid tribute to the NUM, 'the greatest trade union in Britain. A striking miner from Agecroft explained that now it [by DUNLOP] was the turn of the people of Manchester to act like the NUM. "Trust your leadership, not the media, he warned The Solanciese cir March, council refused to set a rate.
The following resolution was passed:
• This council recognises the continuing Conservative Government allack. on living standards and reiterates the council's policy of 23 March 1984 of protecting jobs and freezing rents. Since 23 March the evidence gained representations and consultation with all sec& RALLY Graham Stringer tions of the community in reiniorces the reasons for those policies.
In order to provide the necessary expenditure, having regard to the needs of the city, its obligations, legal ford Park and Sale factories union recognition.
The firm is not new to For over 80 years it was unorganised All attempts isation were defeated by sackings and pay-offs When five workers were sacked m June 9o1 they responded with immediate strike action, wil ning reinstatement recognition for the AUEW Since then, the trade strength. Colman Fastners gles, taking strike action commitments, the council is currently committed to revenue expenditure maintain its existing services of £286 million and has already identified in its assessment necas and responsibilities, £33.5 milimpossible today for the authority to make a rate, bearing in mind the needs the people Manchester and the interests o • This council will make further urgent represenlanons to me secrelary ol State while of grant targets and penalwill affect Man chester in '85-6, with a view restoring stallls abandoning the harsh and harmful targets and penalty system.
ne resolution went on lo demand the restoration of funds which central govern ment has denied the city, and also adopted a policy which includes of jobs OTOLCCLIOI and services, and no rate jobs were passed, and the Youth Training Scheme rate was raised to f40. Anc the council is committed to oppose all forms of dis crimination based or. disability, sex sexual orientation Budgets put forward b! UNIC Torie were rejected. budget was passed, with 6t votes. There were abstentions one Labour vote against.
The mood of the meeting was summed by Councillor Frances Dori who said We are not heri to protect ourselves, but to represent • protect lne interests of the people of the city of Manchester.
The meeting ended ir celebrations, with council lors and supporters in the Calic singing Red Flag