Global capitalism and the left

Here's an interesting and thought provoking article on global capitalism from New left Project.

Some interesting points. I particularly extracted three quotes which to me, are instructive (emphasis is my own).

I'm afraid that international solidarity among capitalist classes and capitalist state leaders is much stronger than the international solidarity of the 'proletariat' or the alter-globalisation movement. This elite solidarity is a consequence of the increasing international penetration of capital and the common material base that creates.

and

First, it means we have to rid ourselves of the illusion that you can change the world without taking power. It is utterly impossible to progress towards a better world unless the balance of social forces that are in conflict in any society find expression in the transformation—in terms of organisation as well as policies—of the states in those societies.
Relatedly, it means we have to move beyond a politics of protest. While tremendously energising and creative, street protest ought to feed into the creation of political organisation, which is aimed not simply at standing outside the state and throwing tomatoes at it, or having a punch-up with police, but at building the types of organisations which can go into the state and change its make-up.

and

So we do need to start thinking about how to build new political organisations. But I understand your generation's concern to avoid reproducing the old Communist or Social Democratic parties. That's going to depend on taking the creativity of the street protests and putting it to work in building organisations which are able to transcend those—quite undemocratic—models.

What do you think? Please add your comments.

Working for the common good

Rosa Pavanelli, new PSI general secretary

 "As the 29th World Congress of Public Services International drew to a close in Durban, South Africa, delegates celebrated that they had elected a woman to lead their global union federation for the first time in its 105 year history. PSI’s new General Secretary Rosa Pavanelli said, “I’m proud and honoured to carry the fight for social justice forward for PSI, our members and our communities. 
“As public sector workers we have special responsibilities and the best opportunities to build alliances with members of civil society to deliver quality public services for the benefit of all,” she said. 

“We must find new ways to build political strength. Focusing on collective bargaining rights is no longer enough. We must develop social unionism and reach out to new allies, in order to build a better world. But we must never forget that our strength and identity starts in our workplaces.  Supporting campaigning, advocacy, networking and organising in workplace sectors is key to increasing and representing our membership.”"

 Read more .....

Thanks to technology you can share in some of the excitement, knowledge and information from World Congress in Durban, South Africa. Visit the PSI Congress 2012 website to catch up on actions, decisions, discussions. You can also use the quick links below:

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Reviewing the campaigning model

Over the last 10 years, trade unions have been using the campaigning model. But is there now campaign fatigue?

The article/post on Online Global Labour Campaigns explores what's happening.

What's your view on this?

What's the national or regional experience?


Related site
You may also find Alex White's blog quite interesting and useful

Trade Union Renewal and New Unionism

Here's an interesting, informative and thought-provoking web site called New Unionism.

"New unionism is about seeking creative ways to organize internationally to democratize work. Together, these four principles (organizing, internationalism, creativity and workplace democracy) unite us as a network of union activists"

You can also subscribe to the newsletter Work in Progress.

What do you think about the web site? Do you think it can help you as you think about trade union renewal?

 

Survey on union values

We are currently reviewing the survey results received so far.There are some interesting trends.

Here's a link to the survey that was done on a global level. I think you'll find it instructive.

http://newunionism.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/union-values/

Sis Asmara (ABVO Curacao) tells us that she'll be conducting a survey among members of ABVO. PSI Caribbean is anxious to see the results. All the best Sister!

Is anyone else interested in conducting the survey on a much wider scale in their union? Send us your comments and thoughts.

Post-Workshop Activities

For all workshop participants

We have started to send out the Post-workshop activities. Please check your e-mail.

Please do not hesitate to contact PSI Caribbean if you have any questions, comments, concerns.

Internet Search Tips and ILO Resources

Averlon Toussaint, Documentalist and IT officer at the ILO Caribbean Office provided some useful insight into the resources available in the Caribbean Office as well as on the main ILO website.

Averlon also engaged you in some practical examples using search engines and provided some useful tips on searching for information in the ILO's vast library.

Here's a tutorial on Internet search tips and ILO resources to help you.

Have you got any questions? Need any more info or clarification? Post a comment. Or send an e-mail.