A Way to Move Forward to Solve Problems
The coverage of the fight of the crane operators in Quebec on matters that greatly concern not only their own safety, but the safety of the public, is important to further develop and carry during the election. While the fight is concentrated in Quebec, it has repercussions all over the country in construction and other industries where the motive of making maximum profit trumps the right of human beings to work and live in safe and healthy environments. The points are made clearly and show that many struggles the workers are waging are essentially political — they address the neglect of governments to do their duty which is a big problem today.
Likewise the proposals of the Abitibi miner to develop ways to refine and process resources at home, rather than exposing workers and their communities to the ups and downs of the rip and ship-based extractive industry, contribute to a discussion of the economy that is very much needed in the election.
The negative consequences of the current direction of the economy are being felt in many parts of the country. The miner’s reference to moving forward “with our own concerns and our own way of seeing things” arises from the working people’s own analysis of the conditions and the necessity for change.
The struggle of these workers, and their views of a way forward that serves the interests of working people, arise from their direct experience and thinking. This sharply contrasts with the hollowness of the campaigns and slogans of the cartel parties, which originate with the marketing firms of those who give no role whatsoever to the workers in determining what is the way forward for their particular sector or industry let alone Canada and its people.
A Reader in Windsor