... and a directive
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A SEVEN-POINT directive has been issued by the Transport and General Workers' Union executive to try to bring a speedy end to the miners' strike.
More local branch meetings are planned by the TGWU to involve its drivers and dockers in more active support of the mineworkers.
Each TGWU member wili be asked to consider restricting any movement of coal designed to replace that usually coming from the National Coal Board, or imports likely to be used for that purpose; in the case of factories, power stations, or gas works, to impose a total ban on all deliveries of coal from whatever source included imported coal; to restrict any abnormal movement of oil likely to replace coal; generally to take action to avoid anything which might damage the miners' strike; those members covered by NUM agreement to withdraw their labour in line with the NUM membership; and those employed in open cast mining should confine themselves to their normal work and ensure that deliveries of coal from open cast sites be stopped.
The seventh point is that the NUM should consult with TGWU regions for a detailed examination of the NUM's requirements.
The directive was issued on Monday (September 24).
Jack Ashwell, national officer for road haulage, told CM that he expected "quite considerable support" for the requests. He said that some drivers could be under the threat of sacking if they supported the union's policy, and that he had a great deal of sympathy for them.