Alicante: an open assembly of workers in struggle

ICC Introduction

The comrades who have written the statements below, instead of being locked up in their sector as usually happens with struggles dominated by the unions, have launched a struggle open to all workers without distinction of sector or situation: in short, a united struggle.

And, in the second place, instead of the struggle being led by a minority of organising and negotiating “professionals” – again, as in the union way of thinking- they have made the centre of decision-making an Open Assembly held in a square, offering a public space where workers from other sectors can unite with their demands, bring their initiatives, and discuss together the measures to be taken.

Confronted with a situation of generalised social cuts, defaults and arrears in the payment of wages, of rampant unemployment, where no government or union can put forward any solutions - in fact, they are part of the problem- the only solution can lie in the united mobilisations organised by assemblies of all workers, of the oppressed and exploited. We do not have any illusions; we know that this road is difficult, that we will make many errors, suffer from traps and repression. But it is the only road that can take us forwards! The other way - having confidence in governments, in elections and the unions - offers no “road” apart from that leading into a bottomless pit.

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WE ARE MOBILISING FOR THE DEFENSE OF OUR JOBS AND THE CONTINUATION OF “THE SOCIAL/SOCIAL CARE” (centres and services paid for by public funds but with private or third sector management)

To “Social care” workers, to all workers,

In our sector cuts, defaults, closures, the worsening of working conditions,... are increasing: as they are for all workers. Rare is the centre or services that is not threatened by closure or cuts, or is already closed.

Over recent weeks comrades from several firms in this sector have spontaneously got in contact with us asking “what to do”. In response we have invited them to the next meeting of the Platform[1]. Given that this interest has been growing we have decided to call an OPEN ASSEMBLY with the intention of testing the situation and assessing the possibility of a united struggle against the cuts in order to maintain jobs and services (the services that are most necessary for those most in need).

We know that it is difficult to envisage such a struggle but we take hope from the unprecedented situation in which we are living, and above all from the demands from various areas “to do something”. We believe that it is possible to try and mobilise ourselves and a good number of our comrades; and with a large movement we could face up to the attacks that we are suffering. We understand that this appears illusory and utopian, but we think that it is illusory and utopian to think that something or someone, other than ourselves is going to “save” us.

We invite everyone to participate and to spread this invitation:

Wednesday 9th November at 18.00 in the Plaza de la Montaneta (Alicante)

Workers’ Open Assembly

Against the cuts, unemployment, the closure of social services and the worsening of working conditions

Unite in order to struggle for ourselves

Plataforma de Trabajadores de AFEMA

(an Independent and assemblyist collective)

This call, though centered on our sector, is open to all workers and those who are interested, because we think that we are all the same and that solidarity is essential.

 

Alicante 10th November 2011

COMMUNIQUE TO THE COMRADES CONCENTRATED IN VALENCIA

Dear comrades, we are mainly workers and users of the “social” sector, education and health, (although there are also comrades of other sectors), and we are mobilised and organised through open assemblies against the attacks, which we have been suffering for some time.

We know about the mobilisations of the comrades of Parque Alcosa in Valencia and we are in profound solidarity with them, since we know they are trying to do the same as we are and that we have the same interests.

Yesterday at our first assembly we called for a gathering/demonstation and open assembly for Wednesday the 16th November, against the cuts, unemployment, precarious working conditions and the closure or worsening of services in the social sector. We also want to make you aware of this call in order that on the same day you could also have a gathering and assembly in Valencia (we do know not anyone in Castellon but if you do, it would be great if they could participate). We believe that a joint call would be more effective and visible.

We think that this would be the beginning of a future cooperation and coordination that could bring about unified actions faced with the outrages of the Generalitat Valencia.

We await your response and please accept our cordial greetings.

Workers’ Open Assembly (Alicante)

We invite you to a gathering and after an Assembly next Wednesday 16th November in the Plaza de la Montaneta (Alicante) at 18.00 and would ask you to make this as widely known as possible!!

Attached is the agenda, thanks!!!

 

AGAINST CUTS AND NON-PAYMENTS BY THE GENERALITAT VALENCIANA IN THE “SOCIAL” SECTOR, EDUCATION AND HEALTH

NO TO LAY-OFFS

NO TO SERVICE CLOSURES

WORKERS AND SERVICE USERS’ OPEN ASSEMBLY

WE PROPOSE FORCEFUL AND COORDINATED ACTIONS TO AVOID THE DISAPPEARANCE OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND THE WORSENING OF THE CARE IN EDUCATION AND HEALTH

WEDNESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER AT 1800 IN THE PLAZA DE LA MONTANETA (ALICANTE)

WORKERS’ OPEN ASSEMBLY OF VALENCIA

[email protected]

The announcement is open to users, to families and workers from other sectors of workers, faced with trying to stop the economic policies that are daily worsening the living conditions and basic rights of everybody.

The proposed agenda for the Workers’ Open Assembly of Alicante 16th November:

Manifesto of the assembly of workers, users and other sectors of workers. To evaluate the outline drawn up by the responsible work group.

1. Mailing of the protest to the Generalitat. To evaluate the outline drawn up by the responsible work group.

2. Proposal to create a commission against unemployment and the closure of services. To evaluate the proposal.

3. Actions against the Generalitat.

4. Coordination with the comrades of Valencia and Castellon, preliminary information on the tasks carried out.

5. Organisation of work, the possible creation of a work commission.

6. Next assembly (a calendar of the next assemblies) and the name of the assembly (the name used so far has been provisional).

If a comrade or workers’ collective wishes to propose another point, please let us know:

[email protected]

 

 

 

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[1] ie, the Plataforma de Trabajadores de AFEMA, the nucleus of militant social care workers who initially called for the open assembly.