A new concept of unionism: the New South Wales Builders Labourers' Federation 1970-1974
Submitted by Aunty Jack on Mar 10 2017 02:30
Meredith Burgmann's pioneering work on the history of the New South Wales branch of the Australian Builders Labourers' Federation. During the 1960s and 1970s the NSWBLF introduced limited tenure of office for union officials, tied officials' pay to the minimum industry wage, introduced highly democratic forms of decision-making, and pursued militant industrial tactics. The union was also notable for its aggressive support of other social groups, most notably through the placing of "Green Bans" where members prevented work from taking place on environmentally or socially destructive projects.
American labor isn’t dead, but definitely needs to wake up
Submitted by Recomposition on Feb 13 2017 10:09
The mood and discussions of late have largely been doom and gloom. Our series has tried to shine a light on some hope for workers resistance to counter the demobilize barrage of social and anti-social media. Our final piece in the Labor under Trump series comes from Ideas and Action the online publication of the Workers Solidarity Alliance. David Fernández-Barrial argues that there is an untapped potential within workplaces to defeat the threats looming, and take us closer to a just and equitable society.
This Is Not a Drill: Bracing for the Trump Era
Submitted by Recomposition on Feb 13 2017 09:35
In our second installment in our Labor under Trump mini-series, Mark Brenner from Labor Notes explores what union members can do in the face of anticipated threats. At this point most of the debate is speculation, but the labor notes piece is worth discussing because they explore concrete experiences in areas where anti-labor policies have been implemented such as organizing in right-to-work states and solidarity with coworkers independent of their immigration status. Brenner paints a picture of a labor movement at a crossroads, a theme we will return to next week.
Is the working class movement dead?
The following article is loosely based on the notes for a pre-discussion talk by an AF member to a libertarian socialist discussion meeting in Leicester, 25 January 2017.
Echanges 11 – 1977
Issue of Echanges from the latter part of 1977 primarily about the trade unions and the role they play in Europe in undermining autonomous working class struggle.
What's Left after the election of Trump?
Submitted by Fredo Corvo on Nov 28 2016 05:19
A council communist view from the Netherlands.
It is not by supporting a middle-class program - be it left of right in the spectrum of bourgeois politics - that the proletariat can defend itself.
What we stand for – American Fraction of the Left Communist International (1949)
Platform of the American Fraction of the Left Communist International. It was written by D.A. and appeared in the January-February 1949 issue of International Bulletin.
International trade unionism helps weak Indian unions to integrate precarious workers' struggles
Submitted by Fredo Corvo on Oct 16 2016 08:24
Analysis of the situation of the working class and their relationship with trade unions in India's new industrial heartland around New Delhi.
Struggles and union issues at Honda and Bellsonica in Manesar, India
Submitted by AngryWorkersWorld on Oct 3 2016 19:02
Translation of four recent articles from Faridabad Majdoor Samachar (Faridabad Worker' News, India), reflecting on the union question regarding two current struggles at Honda motor-cycle factory and Bellsonica car parts supplier.
