Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 00:25:56 -0700 (PDT)
From: "James F. Miller" <jamiller-AT-igc.apc.org>
Subject: History of SWP (US)


THE TURN TO INDUSTRY

   David Walters writes:

>A correction to Millers post on the History of the SWP. The SWP began 
>sending people into industry in 1976, not 1978, around the Ed Sadlowski 
>campaign for Steelworkers president. For about 3 years, many of us 
>could engage in class struggle work, run for union office, stewards, 
>etc. This is in line with the revolutionary continuity of the SWP going 
>back to the early 30s (The CLA as it was called then).

   What David says here is true. SWP members joined the USWA
and supported the Sadlowski campaign in 1976. But the decision
to encourage all SWP members to get jobs in particular unionized
industries was not made until February, 1978.

   Further, David says:

>In addition, members who were not part of a particular industrial 
>fraction were asked to relegate themselves to sympithiser. People 
>moving from one industry to another was, and perhpas still is, common 
>practice, thus interfering with the SWPers chance of really sinking 
>roots into the workforce and community.

   The reference to "relegate ..." is wrong. The party did not
expel people who decided, for various reasons, not to get
industrial jobs. Nor were they asked to resign. I personally
know many people who did not get industrial jobs. I was in
the party from 1966 to 1988. 





Jim Miller
Seattle
jamiller-AT-igc.apc.org


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