Tue 31 Mar 2020, 08:20 AM | Posted by editor
Workers learn from experiences
LETTER from Tom Smith, Newport West CLP member
Workers learn from events. The full impact of the crisis has not yet been appreciated by workers who are digging in for the long haul. But the way ahead is fraught with dangers for capitalism .
But we have to say that this situation has only come about due to the past failures of the workers’ parties. The weakness of the opposition is there for all to see. Joe Biden, as a leader of the Democrats has no answer to Trump, at least none that convinces workers there is a real alternative. Labour has no programme of analysis of the world situation, the nature of the crisis and the need for a socialist agenda. The shocking position of the NHS with the shortage of protective clothing, ventilators, masks and the cancellation of cancer treatments has raised no real call from labour for the need to nationalise private health care, reclaim privatised NHS activities or demand the cancellation of PFI contracts.
The world economy has transformed the situation to one which would have been unbelievable just a few weeks ago. All the rules of running capitalism have been thrown into the bucket.
Class struggle will be prolonged
In Europe there is a squabble between finance ministers as how to help Spain and Italy. This not a case of lifting spending limits of government expenditure. Germany, Austria and the Netherlands are not going to pay for a big bill which would fall on the backs of the workers in those countries. But what is the alternative? Italy and Spain are not going to accept a Greek solution. So watch this space. However let us be clear: this dispute now will be as nothing, compared to future rows.
Unemployment already exists in the millions. Some economies are running at 25 per cent of pre-crisis levels. World debt will have to increase. Printing money will pave the way for inflation.
Perhaps an upturn may emerge, but will not solve unemployment and austerity and will only delay, at best, a 1930s depression. here is no way out but a class struggle that will prolonged due to poor leadership of the working class. In Sicily there was a raid on a supermarket. Workers stormed the building and stole food. As one said, he had no money and could not feed his children. The police, armed to the teeth, could only look on.
No guarantee of wages
A worker I know, a cleaner for the hospital, was told she had to work an hour and half a day, but there was no guarantee of her getting her wages. Her firm was investigating government support. There was also self-employed builder who may not be paid until June. They are owed money but even that is withheld. These little events will be common in the months to come. As a good old socialist used to say events, events, events.
