for further attacks by those who wanted to provoke a confrontation this time." This suggests that New Labour is still after the union's blood. What do you think Labour wants to do?
LS: I think New Labour despises the FBU because they see us blocking their 'modernisation'.
They are determined to reduce the cost of public services and they see the people that provide those services as the enemy. In fact New Labour described FBU members as "the enemy within".
Firefighters topped recent survey with 94 per cent as the profession that people
In London we initially said that we should democratise our political fund and allow FBU regions to support parties and candidates that supported FBU policies. This was not going far enough for the vast majority of our members. Why should we pay a single penny to the Labour Party after they way they treated us? was the most common refrain in branches.
Some members also thought that our link to the party prevented us from fighting them effectively. It was Labour politicians that threatened us with withdrawing our right to strike.
At our conference London bers made the link that there was limitless money for war but no money for us.
This dispute has also brought criticism of the FBU from our members, aimed in particular at the national leadership. We have to spend time with our members in dialogue about how we go forward to achieve a strong union, responsive to the members' needs; democratically accountable but also ensuring we have political influence. SR: What is the best way for local Respect groups to develop their ties with the FBU in their areas?
It can be difficult for people Ray from the outside to penetrate fire stations and FBU branches. In the dispute many firefighters were wary of some people who came to the picket line. Before the dispute lots of members said to me 'we don't want paper sellers here'. We said don't dismiss anyone or any organization that offers support, we will need as much support as we can get.
The that approached our members offering support we welcomed, and our members quickly learned how important the support was. But if members perceived people were interested in joining them up to a party or *Why should we pay a single penny to the Labour Party after they way they treated us?' was the most common refrain in branches. Some members also thought that our link to the party prevented us from fighting them effectively. It was Labour politicians that threatened us with withdrawing our right to strike. respect you if stand up for what you believe in.
RESPECT is principled and that goes a long way. Like everyone else firefighters don't like people who just say what people want to hear. MR. bLIAR fcuk with the F.B.U.K.
wide open after our disaffiliation from Labour. SR: You have been involved in Respect right from the start. Did the results surprise you? I think they were amazing.
page 9 of the scan
TOHE BLOOM
• Equality
• Socialism • Peace • Equality Le Communit • Trade Unic Smith John Bloom, Respect candidate in Hartlepool, addresses a public meeting along with Lindsey German, George Galloway and Yunus Baksh