Euro Strikes

[Anonymous]

Does anyone believe that the strikes taking place across Europe reflects an increase in class consciousness?

Good link

http://socialismoryourmoneyback.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/europes-general-strikes.html

[Young Master Smeet]

I reckon it is the class in itself, rather than for itself.  The oppositional tone (against Austerity) and calls for vague "Alternative" and investment suggest it is more about adopting a negotiating strategy, and putting down a marker to show that the bosses can't impose whatever settlement they want.  The lack, though, of any specific demand, or overall narrative suggests there is no advance in the situation of being a class for itself consciously taking control of society.  As such it is part of the necessary political theatre of existing society.I've finally managed to source E.P. Thompson's distinction between plebeian and proletarian politics*:

E.P. Thompson wrote:

A plebs is not, perhaps, a working class.  The plebs lack a constancy of self-definition, in consciousness; clarity of objectives; the structuring of class organisation.  But the political presence of the plebs, or "mob", or "crowd" is manifest…Even when the beast seemed to be sleeping, the tetchy sensibilities of a libertarian crowd defined, in the largest sense, the limits of what was politically possible[…] It bred riots, but not rebellions: direct actions, but not democratic organizations.

Taken at this level, the ETUC should be seen in contrast to Occupy, in terms of its deliberateness and organisation.  The fact that it has commanded a demonstration across many countries, and drawn in countless thousands participants more than Occupy managed.If it lacks socialist consciousness as such, it at least has those working class values that may build for a halfway decent defence of our interests within capitalism.  The question is how we address ourselves to it. *Patrician Society, Plebeian CultureE. P. ThompsonJournal of Social History , Vol. 7, No. 4 (Summer, 1974), pp. 382-405Published by: Oxford University PressArticle Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3786463

[Young Master Smeet]

Actually, here is the formal ideology of the leadership:http://www.etuc.org/a/10439

ETUC EC wrote:

3. While supporting the objective of sound accounts, the Executive Committee consider that the recession can only be stopped if budgetary constraints are loosened and imbalances eliminated, with a view to achieving sustainable economic growth, and social cohesion, and respecting the values enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.[…]5. The Executive Committee note mounting opposition among citizens and workers in the countries concerned and reaffirm their support for affiliated unions fighting for decent working and living conditions. This situation results from the lack of coordination of economic policies and the absence of minimum social standards throughout Europe. In the context of free movement of capital, this gave free rein to competition between states, in particular in the field of taxation, labour costs and social conditions.[…]7. They recall that the Union is treaty-bound to “work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress, and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment”. They further recall that the ETUC’s support for the Lisbon Treaty was mainly predicated on the full application of those objectives.

So, it's the old social democrat argument of improving living standards through growth: make the pie bigger, rather than change the division.  Of course, the ETUC has to make its demands coherent to Eurocrats, but it is being a loyal opposition, rather than an insurgent. Useful infographic:http://strongerunions.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/14nov-info-1000.png

[Young Master Smeet]

I'll bring this here (and hopefully move the thread up the list), just to contrast what seems to be happening in Turkey & Brazil with my comments above about plebeian as opposed to proletarian politics.https://theconversation.com/fare-game-buses-and-football-fuel-protest-in-unequal-brazil-15325

Quote:

So what does it all mean? There is a strong possibility that the protests will fade, and life will carry on as usual. The movements are outside of traditional political groups, unions and organisations, so whether they can form a formidable power bloc remains to be seen.

In contrast to dictatorships, democracies can see off such uprisings, because, eventually, they can point to the support of the inactive majority and can always go to the polls to demonstrate the isolation of the insurgent crowds.One thing that comes from the above article is that, in the case of Brazil, it is not the poverty so much as the feeling of not sharing in the growth, which points again to the idea that economic slumps don't help the socialist case (in fact, the opposite, they seem to be the key to disciplining the workers).And, just to stick to the ETUC theme of the thread, it seems they have put their colours firmly on the mast:http://www.etuc.org/a/11263

ETUC wrote:

The Executive Committe of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is following the unfolding events in Istanbul, Ankara and other Turkish cities with great concern. The European trade union condemns the disproportionate and unacceptable use of force by the police.This current repression brings to mind a similar reaction against a rally, held in Taksim Square on 1 May, celebrating Labour Day as was the case in many other places around the world. The ETUC supports those who are fighting for the respect of democratic social and trade union rights and against creeping authoritarianism in Turkey. The ETUC Executive Committe calls on the Turkish Government to respect fundamental international rights and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.The ETUC will stay in close contact with its affiliates to determine what action to take, if necessary, to ensure the respect of these rights in Turkey.The ETUC notes positive signal from parts of the Turkish Government to engage in dialogue.

 And, a useful bit of background:http://www.etuc.org/a/10150

ETUC wrote:

05/07/2012Lire la version française“Stop attacks against trade unions in Turkey”, demand European and international trade unionsWe have in recent weeks witnessed an unprecedented wave of repression against Turkish trade unionists. At least 73 members of the public sector trade union KESK are currently in prison, some without charges. Others, such as the President of KESK, have been released on bail. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has raised the issue on several occasions with the Turkish government and the European authorities, denouncing the attacks against affiliates of several Turkish member confederations.

Apparently the "international community" did stay silent until the protests erupted.

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