Bill Fletcher Jr. on Internationalism (Jim O'Connor)

Johannes Schneider Johannes.Schneider at gmx.net
Tue May 9 01:53:00 PDT 2000


Dennis R Redmond wrote:


> On Sun, 7 May 2000, Jim heartfield wrote:
>
> > I'd be interested in the detail. The history of 'co-determination' in
> > industrial relations is pretty poor.
>
> Is it, really? Central Europe has a pretty strong tradition of a
> progressive politics of productivity, plus fairly harmonious labor
> relations in general.

Are 'Fairly harmonious labor relations' an aim to follow? I always thought socialists are aiming at promoting the class struggle.


>Aren't seats on the management board an important
> first step in socializing the means of production?

No, they are definitely not, experience in Germany shows:

1. They are a source of coruption and beaurocratisation of uninons.

2. Instead of shop-floor organization and self activity the defence of workers interest is delegated to members of a closed door body.

3. Members of the board are bound on secrecy and the interest of the (economic) interest of the company.

4. As the Rover/BMWe shows union memberss of the board rather indentify with 'their' management than with workers interests as a whole.

Johannes



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