14/8 Exeter branch meeting

Aside from organisational issues, the main topics of discussion and debate at the branch meeting were the world situation and the ongoing industrial action by the CWU. Also discussed was the possibility of a general election in October and events in September, October and November.

On the subject of the CWU/Royal Mail dispute, JL outlined the situation as it has unfolded to date, including the one-day strikes, the staggered strikes and the current postponement. He emphasised the support for the strikes by not just the vast majority of postal workers but the public as well. However, the leaders of the CWU seem to be pursuing a course of action better suited to getting a few concessions rather than the outright victory that is needed (for more details of the CWU action see previous posts on this site). In the discussion that followed JK talked about the strikes by Post Office counter workers, which were about the closure of 70 Crown Post Offices and the provision of the services in WH Smiths instead. AC pointed our attentions to the national demonstration in London on the 21st August. SB and JT also made some points related to the action in Devon and the tactics of the union leadership, which seems at odds with the attitudes and determination of the postal workers on the ground.

In the discussion on the world situation, JT gave a report on the event recently held in Belgium for members of parties affiliated to the Committee for a Workers' International (CWI). Socialists from all over the world gathered to discuss issues such as the ongoing crisis in the middle east, American imperialism, the environment and many other issues. A report of the event can be found in the latest issue of 'the socialist'. An online version of the report is available on the Socialist Party website. A report is also available on the website of China Worker (thanks to Leftwing Criminologist for the information about this link).