akai's blog

There may be problems with some people who identify with anarchosyndicalism, but it is not because there is any inherent correlation between it and fascism.

A few thoughts on the fake strike of Polish immigrants.

In the past 20 years, various attempts to make coalitions between the left and right have taken place in Poland. The involvement of supposedly left wing or anarchist groups with the far-right have been treated in various publications. These have involved such organizations such as the Anarchist Federation, the August 80 union or ATTAC. It seems that after many years of discussion, some leftists keep falling back into this cooperation.

Next week Solidarity will organize its anniversary festival in Gdansk. It will be punctuated by such events as a huge mass in a grand cathedral and a ceremony dedicated to union-busting Ronald Reagan.

On September 14, mass protests were held in Warsaw against recent anti-labour legislation. Unfortunately the unions did not call a strike.

Workers of the Firem Factory near Modena should take issue with the government of Poland. This is because their jobs have been moved here – to Oława where their ex-boss, Fabrizio Pedroni, will receive tax exemptions and other aid for creating jobs in Poland.

The so-called “Solidarity” union from a furniture factory in Bartoszyce has issued a scandalous statement in what seems to be a campaign organized by the bosses of Black Red White company to protect its image after the events of recent weeks.

Last year Poland raised the retirement age to 67 and this year got rid of the guaranteed 8-hour day. Up til now, the main unions have responded with barely a peep. This lack of union militancy has no doubt given the green light to the neoliberal government to push ahead with such anti-worker measures. Now, as the workers demand some response, one wonders if this will be too little, too late. What are the factors that have lead to this situation? They are complex, ranging from the specifics of the local social conditions to the institutions of trade union collaboration. The following is the first in a series of articles on the situation of the unions in Poland.

Lech Walesa has said that unionists protesting against raising the retirement age should have been clubbed and Members of Parliament from the ruling ''Civic Platform” party want to sue them for ''forced overtime”.

On May Day, various part of the left and right political spectrum came out to demonstrate.

Support sweatshop workers in the struggle to improve their working conditions and organize! Management fired union activists, death threats made.

Akai discusses the situation of women at work and in the home.

How far can one go with "diversity of tactics" before diverging with anarchism?

As groups call for entrance into politics or make coalitions with nationalists, this question has shown the urgency for tactical debate based on empirical experience.

Turning a blind eye to right-wing involvement in syndicalist movements.

The two largest unions in Poland, Solidarity and OPZZ, are going back to the negotiating table. They have already agreed with the bosses to smash the independent unions.

Only 11 workers refuse illegal bum deal offered by their boss. It is depressing and their victory is needed!

Conflict at Azteca Bar inspiration for wider campaign.

In the third week of a heat wave, more about more workers in Warsaw are collapsing in the street.

Late on July 13 I received by personal email an invitation from "workers of TPSA" to join a picket in front of the French Embassy the next day. (TPSA is owned by France Telecom.)

The following is a statement by ZSP.