The walkout was fuelled by workers' revulsion at the racist harassment of Ford worker Sukhjit Parma in Dagenham's engine plant. In my section no one had any doubt about what that meant. This is not an economic issue. The point is they are a bunch of racist bastards and we want people to know. We're making a political statement.
Racism is a poison that can succeed in dividing workers.
Some on the left and some black groups even argue that white workers can never be won to anti-racism. The Dagenham strike proves them wrong. White workers were as committed to last week's action as black workers. But not only are many white workers committed to the principle of anti-racism, and standing by their black workmates, they also know the only way to stand up to the company is to stand together. You have to fight for everyone.