Aims and Objectives
The Liaison Committee For The Defence of Trade Unions is a rank and file Movement. Its Aims, Objectives and Standing Orders are set out below.
LCDTU Aims and Objectives are:-
1) To campaign for Trade Union Freedom in Britain by winning the full repeal of all anti-union laws introduced under the Conservative Governments of 1979 to 1997, and maintained by the Labour Governments of 1997 to 2010, any all and any subsequent anti-trade union laws.To campaign for Trade Union Freedom within the European Union by establishing the primacy of the freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining and the right to organise (as contained in ILO Conventions 87 and 98) within the European Parliament and Commission, over those of big business and any ECJ (or other Court) trade union adverse decisions.
2) To work closely with shop stewards committees, full time officials, affiliated unions, the TUC, union branches and all appropriate lay trade union machinery to agitate, educate and organise in pursuit of LCDTU aims and objectives.
3) To work closely with Labour Party branches and the Labour Party generally in campaigning for LCDTU objectives, by encouraging and supporting greater involvement and influence of the unions in and over the Labour Party, especially at local level.
4) To campaign for the right of trade unions to determine their own rules and policies, free from interference from the State, including the full right of unions to advance such policies through industrial action.
5) To campaign for and support the growth and development of the Shop Stewards movement, including the importance of establishing effective workplace organisation across all industries and sectors of the UK economy.
6) To support the trade union Movement in focusing and campaigning upon the critical need to extend collective bargaining coverage in the UK.
7) To organise unity in action by assisting in the mobilisation of solidarity throughout the Labour Movement where trade unionists are involved in disputes or are suffering unjust penalties. (This shall be undertaken in close consultation with the appropriate trade union bodies)
8) To influence the official machinery of the trade unions and the TUC to prioritise the establishment of a specially funded nationwide campaign and organisational structure dedicated to winning Trade Union Freedom in the UK.
9) To commit to the struggle for Trade Union Freedom in the UK and the EU, however long it may take and however difficult it may be. The LCDTU supports the ETUC and ITUC in their efforts to bring justice to working people across the world, and will support global campaigns for Trade Union Freedom and justice.
10) To establish Advisory and Area LCDTU structures, which shall operate under these Aims and Objects.
LCDTU Standing Orders are:-
1) An Annual Meeting of the LCDTU shall elect the Officers it deems necessary, including a Secretary, Chairman and Organiser. This annual meeting will normally be held during TUC Congress week. The meeting shall receive officers reports, a financial report, review the past years activities and set the strategy for the coming year. The Secretary will invite delegates from appropriate trade union bodies, as agreed by the LCDTU Officers. (The Officers shall prepare Area LCDTU Standing Orders)
2) An Annual Appeal shall be organised by the Secretary, to help raise funds for the LCDTU.
3) Periodic conferences of shop stewards, union officials and activists shall be convened across the country, with invitations going to trade union organisations to elect representatives to attend.
4) Periodic shop stewards and supporters meetings will be organised, based where possible in union organised workplaces.
5) The issuing of public statements and press releases, consistent with LCDTU Aims and Objects.
6) To arrange Conferences, Meetings, and Events, or Calls for Action in pursuit of LCDTU Aims and Objects.
7) Education briefings and materials shall be developed by the LCDTU to further the cause of understanding the history and background of the anti-union laws in the UK.
8) Mobilising support for appropriate industrial action/demonstrations/campaigns which advance the cause of Trade Union Freedom in the UK or the EU.
9) Considering all correspondence and taking decisions consistent with LCDTU Aims and Objects.
10) Preparing Agendas and Procedures for each conference or Meeting.
