A memorable day for workers all over

My father insisted that I took a day off from work to join the march from Clerkenwell.

Thousands of trade unionists gathered behind the proud banner of the dockers: "Arise Ye Workers."

As the march progressed it was joined by postmen walking out at Mount Pleasant and hundreds more along the streets.

Stretching across the whole road, strangely there was barely a policeman to be seen.

A cordon was attempted near the prison, but it was quickly brushed aside. Buses stopped in the middle of the roads and their crews joined the march. One particular driver was hoisted from his cab and carried shoulder high as the crowd gathered outside the prison gates.

Then, to a great roar from the assembled workers, a mass contingent of engineers and printers joined the demonstration.

As we know, the five brave dockers were released.

There is no doubt it shook the Establishment rigid. The BBC and right-wing media tried to smear the workers as usual and communist leaders in particular.

The Labour Party leadership was nowhere to be seen as it tried to distance itself from the actions.

The lessons of that day prove what working-class and trade union solidarity can achieve. Such solidarity of purpose needs to be rekindled today if we are to stop the cuts in services, benefits and wages being imposed on the people by this illegitimate government.

The Morning Star and leaders such as Bob Crow are right to be calling for a general strike.

But, as has been proved time and time again, it is only when workers in their tens of thousands take action that victories can be won.

Richard Maunders

Axminster