From: "Hartin, Tony" <thartin-AT-vitgcdu1.telstra.com.au>
Subject: M-I: RE: wharfies
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 07:24:00 +1000



  >
  >  Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 12:56:48 +1000
  >  From: Gary MacLennan <g.maclennan-AT-qut.edu.au>
  >  Subject: Re: M-I: Re: wharfies
  >
  >  Tony
  >
  >  I agree with this post. However your diagnosis of what is needed
really
  >  ignores the problem.  The ACTU and the MUA leadership are that
problem. To
  >  conjure up the kind of militancy that you correctly suggest is
needed from
  >  that quarter is simply impossible.

Well its a matter of process isn't it? What comes first, a new
leadership or a determination by the workers to go beyond their present
leadership?

The truce situation that has existed on the wharves until recently had
suited the bosses to a point. They did get to increase productivity and
sack wharfies.

But of course capitalism means coming back for more. If Reith and the
bosses go too far and, say, try to decapitate the union now, they might
provoke the sort of fight back they dread. But more likely if they time
it right they will be able to demoralise the workers further. So removal
of the MUA leadership in those circumstances will have the opposite
effect to that you suggest.

  >
  >
  >  It seems to me that the working class will have to learn some very
bitter
  >  lessons indeed before their faith in their leaders and in legalism
is shaken.

It is more likely that defeat in a general situation of defeats will
simply lead to new defeats. 13 Years of the ALP in government did little
to diminish the ideas of the bosses - that workers must sacrifice for
the sake of national competitiveness.

A victory for our side, when it comes will be on the basis of the rank
and file workers dragging their leadership into a full on fight. Such a
victory may remain isolated or it may inspire other workers on to other
victories. It is this foundation that will allow a new militant
leadership to be built, or to be reformed out of the old one.

Tony


     --- from list marxism-international-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---