Struggle against the government, the bourgeoisie and the “systemic” labor federations
Is May Day a day of general strike? Is it maybe a national holiday? Or is it something that belongs to the past?
In Greece, as in many countries, it is a fact that this day does not mean anything special for many people. One could say that it is a result of the weakening of the collective memory of our society and especially the working class and even of the belief, that few things can be achieved through a strike. Much more because most official syndicates and federations strike rarely and without any plan for the day after – playing the game of the bosses and the political system and practically serving their aims.
Despite all this, this year’s May Day gives to thousands of people in Greece a chance to strike and express once again their anger towards the government and the bourgeoisie. It comes – or, at least, it should come – as the next link in a chain of massive and decisive struggles for higher wages, better working conditions and less working hours, for a descent public system of health and education, for cheap energy and affordable housing, for justice for the 57 victims of the crime in Tempi. And of course, for a lasting peace in our region and the whole world, contrary to the plans of NATO and the EU.
The fact is that a big portion of the people that live in our country, either Greeks or immigrants and refugees, the situation is hard. They struggle every single day to cover their basic needs, while at the same time usually they do not have the opportunity to enjoy things that should be out of question in our days – vacation, cultural activities etc – while the government plans to spend billions of euros for new arms.
In this context, next Wednesday there will be gatherings and demonstrations in Athens, Thessaloniki, Larisa, Patras and about 50 cities in Greece. The anticapitalist wing of the movement will give their best to put the needs and aims of the working class at their center, demanding action that is more decisive, targets that are more concrete and a specific plan for the next day.
For us, the fight against the government and the parties that constitute the political system of the bourgeoisie is essential. This is not only to be said, but also to be done. The aim of overthrowing the government comes hand in hand with the more “specific” ones, as is the reverse of the privatization of the railway and other public services and utilities.
We hope all this unites the peoples and the working classes of Greece and Turkey.
