GMB welcomes hearing of petition on Cammell Laird 1984: Strikers in European Parliament on 1 December

"We are commemorating 30 years since the strike this month, and I am pleased that there is now a date for the Petition to be heard," said GMB ex-Cammell Laird striker Eddie Marnell (pictured).

He has received confirmation that his petition to the European Parliament has been deemed admissible and will be heard at the Petitions Committee meeting on 1 December 2014. It is likely to be heard about 16h.

Edward Marnell, on behalf of all the Cammell Laird strikers, filed a complaint in July 2013 to the European Parliament in respect of the unjust treatment of Cammell Laird strikers in 1984 and their fight for justice since then. In 1984 these workers took official strike action over job losses. They were dismissed, jailed for 30 days and all their redundancy and pension rights were rescinded. Since then, all efforts to locate official documentation related to the decision to prosecute them, the severity of the sentencing for contempt, their incarceration in the high security Walton Prison and the termination of all employment rights by the company, have failed. The unjust treatment of the Cammell Laird strikers constitutes a longstanding miscarriage of justice.

There have been consistent attempts since 1984 to obtain information including numerous freedom of information requests to UK heads of state and justice ministers, and related authorities regarding the contravention of basic human rights of the people involved under established European and international laws, Treaties and conventions. Yet their stated rights of respect for the principle of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law under Art. 6 of the Treaty of the European Union have been denied.

The Cammell Laird strikers have turned to the European Parliament having exhausted national channels to gain information towards gaining justice.

Eddie Marnell, petitioner and GMB Central Executive Council member, said: "I look forward to attending this hearing in the European Parliament as another step in what has been a long road to try to get justice. We are commemorating 30 years since the strike this month, and I am pleased that there now a date for the Petition to be heard.

"As I understand it, the EU Commission will be asked for information regarding the compatibility of such actions with the EC Treaty in force at the time as regards the recognition of the rights of trades unions and the right to strike, and a request is likely to be made to two European Parliament Committees for an opinion on the case (Justice & Civil Liberties and Employment Committees).

"We appreciate that this does not constitute a decision on the case of the Cammell Laird workers, at this stage. It simply means that the committee is requesting more information from the European Commission.

"After so long with so little information, any developments that might help shed some light on the decisions leading up to this blatant miscarriage of justice will be welcome.

"This process could take some time, as there is no set timeframe for a response from the Commission. I do not expect a response for at least 3-6 months, perhaps longer. But then we have already waited 30 years, and sadly some of my work colleagues are no longer with us to continue our fight for justice. That is why those of us who are left continue to turn every stone we can in our campaign for justice."

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