STRIKE   WHILE   THE   IRON   IS   HOT  !

The fire-fighters have a very good case for a better deal. You know it, I know it, even their employers know it. However, Tony Blair has decided to imitate his idol Maggie and seek to break the FBU. But he is in a very weak position. He

will only succeed if  WE  let him.

Maggie was hailed as a "war hero" because of the Falklands. But the people in those islands considered themselves British, and had been invaded by Argentina. It will be a very different matter for Tony with Iraq. The mere possibility of war has already led to the biggest anti-war protests this country has ever seen. What has this got to do with the fire-fighters ? EVERYTHING ! The weakness of

the ruling class is the opportunity of the working class !

Just recently there was a big student demonstration in London against plans

to introduce top-up fees. That same evening, on the BBC news, we learned that the government was "re-considering" its plans, indeed, might already have "shelved" top-up fees. Now, why would Tough Tony back down just because

a few thousand students are on the streets of London ?  The only explanation

for this apparent retreat by the government is that they don't want to be taking on too many different enemies at the same time. So, appease the students, in order to hammer the fire-fighters. This u-turn over top-up fees is another sig

of government weakness.

The fire-fighters have the support of the general public. What is more, up and down the country, Fire-fighters Support Groups are being set up so that this public mood can be turned into organised solidarity. Here in Scotland, we anarchists have been involved, along with people of other viewpoints, in setting up these support groups, and in showing active solidarity with the fire-fighters.

A weak government which is embattled on many fronts; public support; and organised support groups who are determined to put solidarity into practice

   - there has never been a better opportunity. Maggie Thatcher said  " No  U-turn from me " , but we forced her to eat her words over the poll tax. Together, we can make Tony Blair follow his idol's example. The message for Firefighters    -   AND  for other groups of workers too    -    is  " Strike while the iron is hot !  There will never be a better time ! "

For anarchists, direct action and solidarity are the means to change the world. Only working class folk being in total control of their own organisations and struggles can create a society based on liberty, equality and solidarity. REALsocialism can only be created from the bottom-up, in a federation of directly democratic workplaces and communities. By applying our ideals in the struggle today, we build the world of the future!{Published by a number of class struggle Anarchist groups in Scotland acting together. If you are involved in class struggle and could do with a hand, or if you want to help wipe the smirk off Tony's mug, or if you want to learn more about class struggle anarchism, get in touch. CONTACTS : for Tayside, also for Class War, phone Andy on 07712 045 376, or you can email Dave coull2@btinternet.com ; or you can contact several different groups (GAIA, Anarchist Federation of Alba, and IWW Clydeside) through e-mailing gaia2k@hotmail.com .}