Southend Trades Union Council

Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday 3rd September 1997

1.1 Present :

1.2 Guest - Chris Baird - Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign

1.3 apologies for absence:

2.1The meeting opened at 7.45 pm and was chaired by Ian Pope.

2.2 The minutes of the last meeting held on 2 July 1997 were agreed as an accurate record.

3.0 Guest Speaker Chris Baird - Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign

3.1 Chris spoke regarding the present situation in Nicaragua, concentrating on the role of the Trade Unions and the ownership of property which is the major issue affecting the country.

3.2 From the 1920s up to 1979 Nicaragua had been ruled by the Somosa Dictatorship, which was a puppet regime put into power by the US invasion force. The regime was repressive and abused power especially in creating an imbalance of wealth. Land was taken away by the wealthy classes, who introduced cash crops such as coffee, sugar cane and cotton. A guerrilla movement grew up against this repression - the Sandinista Front for National Liberation (FSLN). In 1979 a revolution brought an end to the Dictatorship.

The FSLN Government set about confiscating and redistributing land but made a fatal error in not legalising the titles to the properties. They lost power in 1990 to a 13 party coalition which pledged to end the Contra War and the economic blockade of the country. The new Government collapsed but the deputies remained in power. The FSLN were the biggest group in the Parliament and were able to defend their reforms, however neo-liberal and monetarist policies were accelerated. Markets were opened which resulted in the collapse of the country's Textile Industry. Movements were formed with the aim of undoing the land reforms.

3.3 In the 1996 elections the ultra-Right Wing, which was funded by Cuban Exiles on platform for economic development on their terms, won on promises of thousands of new jobs created by new investment. However, their neo-liberal policies have resulted in unemployment.

The Right Wing Government, which includes close allies of the Dictatorship, has allowed the Somosa Family to reclaim land totalling one third of Nicaragua which would be equivalent to England and Wales. Former landowners only have to present their original title to a judge in order to reclaim land or property. Thousands stand to lose both their land and livelihoods which may result in civil conflict. The Government has also paid compensation to landowners, with a Vice President receiving 3 times the value of reclaimed properties.

3.4 There were "yellow unions" permitted under the Somosa Regime. The FSLN were instrumental in setting up Trade Unions, which enjoyed a close relationship with the Sandinista Government. At the end of the 1980s some unions became autonomous and these have tended to develop better. In the 1990s attacks on the Unions were supported by Judges who backed the employers.

3.5 The new Government, known as the "Liberal Alliance", is made up of 4 liberal and 2 conservative parties. It does not tolerate the FSLN and indulges in anti-Communist rhetoric. The Government has accelerated its neo-liberal policies by removing public provision or a safety net of social benefits. They intend to privatise the telecommunications industry which may end up in the hands of one individual. Parents are required to pay to send their children to school, and this policy has had the effect of setting them against teachers whose pay is based on the collection of fees.

3.6 The Trade Unions have reacted to Government policies on property, cuts in health and education and opposed the freezing of salaries. In April 1996 there was a National Protest and General Strike which lasted 4 days. The Government entered into negotiations, on the main issues, which were to last for a period of 30 days but at the end nothing was agreed. A second protest was organised by the Popular Sector ­ which includes the Unions, students and environmental activists - but this was met with repressive measures. The FSLN is not participating in the ongoing negotiations with the Government, who they suspect of trying to buy time. There is now a real likelihood of a violent response as people may take matters into their own hands.

3.7 The Chair thanked Chris for addressing the meeting. It was agreed that the NSC leaflets should be circulated to Branches.

4.0 Finance

5.1 Correspondence

5.2 It was agreed that the Southend TUC should add its name to those supporting the lobby of the Labour Party Conference called by UCLH UNISON.

6.0 Other business

6.1 The Secretary will invite the TUC's Youth Officer to be the guest speaker at the next meeting.

6.2 Next meeting: Wednesday 1st October. Derry Thorpe gave his apology for absence in advance.

6.3 The meeting closed at 8.30 pm.