The present strikes are only the latest experience that is forging the outlook of the new generation.
Growing up in the era of the post-2008 Great Recession, they have only experienced capitalism in crisis.
Then came the pandemic.
Opinion polls show that voters reaching 40 today are considerably more left wing than when they were 20, a reversal of the ‘tradition’ of moving to the right with age.
With capitalism offering them no prospect of a secure home, a well-paid job, or halting climate change, the majority are looking for an alternative to the left.
At the same time, for the first time in a generation, the central role of the working class as a force with the potential to achieve fundamental change is beginning to become apparent.
However, at the moment, with the majority of even the left trade union leaders limiting themselves in the main to making demands for reforms from the existing system, we are alone in putting forward a clear programme for the transformation of society.
On that basis we can win growing numbers to our party now.
However, in the coming period, we will see huge struggles which will create the potential to win mass support for our ideas.
The work we are doing in the current wave of struggle is vital preparation for what is ahead.
