Black Flag 210 index
DEFEND BRIAN HIGGINS CAMPAIGN
Some of our readers will remember the feature on the Southwark 2 in
BF207. The latest on the 2 building workersÕ cases is that Terry Mason
is being backed by his union (EPIU) for an industrial tribunal. John
Jones didnÕt get the backing of UCATT (arguably BritainÕs most corrupt
union, and a strong contender for least effective) so he is taking his
case via the local law centre.
The UCATT full timer for the area, Dominic Hehir, was quoted in the
Irish Post about another IT case. Brian Higgins, secretary of the
Building Worker rank and file group and of Northampton UCATT branch
wrote to the Irish Post asking why he hadnÕt done the same for John
Jones. Was his pending election anything to do with it (the successful
IT case was actually won by another full time official).
Almost immediately Brian Higgins received a letter from UCATT connected
solicitors Christian Fisher on behalf of Hehir. Referring to the letter,
some BWG leaflets and Brian HigginsÕ pamphlet ÒRank and |File or Broad
Left - Democracy versus BureaucracyÓ (reviewed in BF208) the solicitorÕs
letter stated ÒThese publications have caused considerable loss and
damage to our clientÓ and went on to demand costs and damages with the
threat of legal action.
This attempt to gag a principled opponent of the UCATT bureaucracy by a
full time official is a disgrace and breaks all standards of behaviour
within the labour movement. If Hehir disagrees with Brian Higgins he
should say so within the labour movement, not in the bosses courts.
there is a further question to be raised apart from HehirÕs motives -
whereÕs he getting the money. Litigation is not cheap and a full time
officialÕs wages couldnÕt cover it, so where is the money coming from?
If HehirÕs action is successful it threatens our very right to criticise
the bureaucrats. The timing of this attack is also suspect - the BWG
were about to launch a major health and safety initiative in the
industry, based on solidarity and direct action.
For more info contact the
Brian Higgins Defence Campaign,
c/o Colin Roach Centre,
56 Clarence Rd London E5 8SW
tel 0181-5337111.
We particularly urge any of our readers in UCATT to take up this case through their union branches.