In recent weeks, the ruling class have been stepping up their attacks on picket lines. Specially-trained mobile police squads have turned up unexpectedly in force in various parts of the country to smash through picket lines.
An attack on picketing is essential for the Government at the moment. Although it does not as yet have to contend with a united working class mobilisation, there is the danger that an individual group like the hospital workers might win increasing support in a long-drawn out struggle. And their ability to stay out hinges from day to day on the effectiveness of their picket Then there is the danger of another miners' strike. The miners used the flying pickets to win the support of large numbers of other workers. The Government is worried by the possibility of a repeat performance this year.
In this situation the trial of the 24 Shrews. bury building workers ( see page 4) will be a crucial indicator for the Government. The explosive response to the Industrial Relamoment. But the established criminal law is anotber matter. Its carefully fostered ap Once of neutrality can confuse the reme of the working class. Even though the pickets and police are acting on behalf of classes in struggle, it appears to operate on the basis of detailed evidence in individual cases.
The revolutionary left can play an important role here. It should unite its forces for a campaign throughout the labour movement against repression in its different guises. All bodies of the labour movement must begin to prepare practical measures for defending local pickets against the mobile police squads who can turn up at any time. Trades councils for example could begin to organise pools of local pickets to match the centralisation of the state forces. All local bodies created to fight against Phase Il and the Tory Government must take up the issue as part of their activities. The labour movement has to re-learn the lessons of the Twenties and Thirties in the fight against state repression.