Policy and administrative papers

These papers comprise several versions of the Indian Workers Association (GB) Constitution, together with incomplete sequences of circulars, press releases and statements providing information about the policy of the organisation and explaining its stance on political developments both in Britain and in other countries. There are also papers from a seminar organised by the Central Executive Committee in 1995 to discuss the aims and objectives of the organisation in terms of the future direction of campaigning and welfare activities.

Much of this material is concerned with Indian Workers Association campaigns against racism and racist violence against black and Asian people in Britain during and 1980s and 1990s, and against racist immigration legislation introduced by successive Conservative governments led by Margaret Thatcher and John Major during this period. There are also some papers relating to the involvement of the Indian Workers Association in industrial disputes and the trade union movement during this time, statements of support for black liberation struggles in South Africa, for anti-imperialist struggles in India, and statements outlining the position of the organisation on conflicts in Lebanon, Israel/Palestine and Northern Ireland.

As well as providing evidence of the Indian Workers Association's position on these issues, through the articles of the Constitution and the statements issued by the organisation, these papers also indicate the active involvement of the Association in tackling situations, through demonstrations, public events and lobbying. Policy and administrative papers dating from the 1960s and 1970s are described at MS 2141/A/3