Millions of working people across Britain are fearful and angry at the mounting economic crisis. Manufacturing industry is now shedding jobs at a rate of 30,000 a month. Now this fear and anger has exploded into unofficial strike action with thousands of workers in oil refineries and power plants walking out.They are right to want to fight this recession. But the central slogan of the current wave of strike action, “British jobs for British workers”, targets the wrong people and points in a dangerous direction. But “foreign workers” are not to blame for mounting unemployment, rampant subcontracting or worsening pay and conditions on construction sites.
The blame for these things lies squarely with the bosses – of whatever nationality – aided and abetted by neoliberal politicians such as trade secretary Lord Mandelson, the high priest of the free market.
It is our responsibility to argue against right-wing ideas in the strike movement, and put forward the case for solidarity with workers regardless of their nationality. There will be a meeting of the Tottenham branch, to discuss the impact of the current strikes and our response to them at Kitap Evi bookshop, Tottenham High Road, on Thursday the 5th at 7.30pm. All comrades are encouraged to attend.
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