Warfare Against Workfare - Dundee

Warfare against Workfare – Dundee.

The traffic of people churning in and out of the Overgate mall in Dundee’s city centre seemed more intense then the usual Saturday afternoon – likely the beginning of this season’s Christmas shopping spree. We gathered near the entrance and reflected on the themes of workfare, the state and social community response to such threats. Those participating included myself and two comrades from the Anarchist Federation Dundee branch, a member of the independent Dundee Anarchists group and an activist from the Scottish Unemployed Worker’s Network. We were also joined by members of other left-wing groups, gathered under the event named ‘Name and Shame: The Dundee Workfare Provider Tour’.

Whilst the event was relatively small from a headcount perspective, the public response, though moderate, was exclusively positive. It was an important opportunity to answer frequently asked questions such as whether or not organised anarchist groups are a hypocritical phenomenon, and how the manner with which these organisations are structured created an alternative to hierarchy and centralism. We were in turn provided with the opportunity to meet individuals, their relations and co-workers who have endured the literal consequences of the government’s Workfare project. Whilst we didn’t encounter any staff contracted under Workfare, our touring of companies such as Primark, Tesco, McDonalds and the local casino, revealed an active participation in workfare schemes – with most of the managers and staff either denying involvement or redirecting our questions to ‘higher command’. One member of staff, however, broke the pattern by informing us of a Workfare employee that worked with her on certain days of the week. It was confirmed that many under the Workfare scheme fell through the employment net.

The event lasted three hours overall, and left those participating with food for thought. Reaching out and networking with individuals under Workfare contracts is becoming an increasingly pressing matter for social response to the government’s policy. It has become apparent that the greater majority are either unaware or unconvinced of the presence of social resistance and platform movements against Workfare.

We sat down at a café afterwards and discussed this topic, coming away with a proposal to put theory to practice in an exemplary fashion. An hour or so later, members from the Anarchist Federation, Dundee Anarchists and the Scottish Unemployed Worker’s Network agreed upon the general need for a form of social network to cultivate and defend community response and direct democracy – the Dundee Solidarity Network. Inspired by the Seattle example and comrades in Glasgow’s successful replication in their city.

The most lasting outcome of the day was thus the creation of a new platform of socio-political response, and hints of names and places of where we might be able to encounter Workfare workers. Our first aim will be to turn those hints into a social helpline of permanent activity and response in regards to those who need it most.

Thumbs up and solidarity to comrades who involved themselves on the Anti-Workfare day in an ever-growing number of cities!