The Socialist Alliance became the first political organisation to lend its backing to the strike by Oxford postal workers today. Speaking at the first press conference of the campaign to challenge Cabinet Minister Andrew Smith MP for the Oxford East constituency, newly selected Alliance PPC JOHN LISTER blamed the stoppage firmly on "macho management" style of Post Office chiefs.

"The Labour government has failed to repeal the brutal anti-union laws brought in during 18 years of Tory rule which stacked the deck in favour of employers. And government ministers banging the drum for workers to show ever more "flexibility" are giving the green light to bully-boy and macho managers," said Mr Lister.

"I am fully behind the postal workers in their stand against unreasonable working conditions, and especially proud that two leading members of their union, the CWU, have already endorsed the Socialist Alliance campaign.

"Trade unions in Oxford have taken a pasting in the last two decades. Many union members expected that a Labour government would at least restore the rights they have lost, and give them a reasonable chance to defend themselves. They have not done so: instead they are quick to condemn every strike.

"The Socialist Alliance is a new force on the left in Oxford. While Labour ministers hob-nob with millionaire and billionaire employers, we will stand alongside each and every campaign for workers rights and public services.

Email: john.lister@virgin.net (home) health.emergency@virgin.net (wk)