Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/579/7267
From The Socialist newspaper, 13 May 2009
Visteon workers discuss socialism
Thirteen Visteon workers attended a meeting of Basildon Socialist Party on 6 May. The workers at the Basildon plant are very glad of the support, practical assistance and advice they have received from the Socialist Party.
Paula Mitchell, London Socialist Party
A month ago none of them would have imagined they would have occupied their factory or mounted round-the-clock pickets, never mind actually attend a meeting to discuss socialism.
But the events of the last month have turned their lives upside down.
There was general agreement that capitalism is an unfair and exploitative system and that the working class needs to fight to change it. More in question was how that fight might develop, and whether it is really ever going to be possible to achieve a socialist society.
The trade unions' link with the Labour Party was raised by Visteon workers even before Socialist Party members mentioned it. Every person present thought that Unite should disaffiliate from Labour and use the money to campaign for a new working class party. We raised our demand for a workers' MP on a worker's wage to counter the scandalous attitude of Labour and Tory MPs alike with their 'snouts in the trough'. The No2EU European election campaign has been received with enthusiasm from the start of this battle, and several of the workers took leaflets away to distribute.
The experience of this battle has raised a whole host of ideas and questions about how struggles will develop, what workers should demand, and what the solutions are. We hope to continue to work alongside these men and women in the coming months.
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In The Socialist 13 May 2009:
Thieving MPs
MPs live it up at our expense !
Socialist Party editorial
Sweep away the thieves and their system
Socialist Party news and analysis
Corus jobs slaughter - fight the closure
Linamar and Visteon
Linamar sack Swansea trade union leader
A victory at Linamar would be a victory for all workers
Visteon workers discuss socialism
Socialist Party election campaign
No2EU - Yes to Democracy campaign news
Youth fight for jobs
Youth Fight for Jobs Launch conference
International socialist news and analysis
Imperialism sucked deeper into Afghan quagmire
Socialist Party workplace news
Defending jobs and conditions at the Olympics site
Defending jobs and conditions at Fiddlers Ferry
Wales TUC: For trade union democracy and for trade union rights!
PCS conference: A fighting union that defends its members
NSSN - fight the bosses' offensive
NSSN Conference: Saturday 27 June
Marxist analysis: history
Education
Save our schools Weston Favell, Northampton
Lewisham Bridge primary school
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