It was inspiring, it was heroic. Throughout France, millions of workers and students took to the streets to tell the authorities what they thought of First Job Contract. This contract effectively gives employers the right to sack young people as they see fit. Of course, the rioters and strikers were well aware that this legislation was not something in isolation. In France , as elsewhere, the ruling class have an agenda. They want to smash unions, destroy working conditions, and attack the public sector especially the welfare sector. France has a rightwing government. The Gaulists are enthusiastic supporters of the economic rationalist agenda. Their enthusiasm hasn�t weakened. But now they realise , that they will have to be more subtle and tactical if they wish to achieve their objective.
The legislation has been repealed. This is good But this is but a minor victory. The fact remains that the Gaulists remain in power. As long as they remain in power the right wing offensive will continue. Of course no faith van be placed in the Socialists or �Communists who are also committed to administer capitalism albeit in a more humane manner. The fact remains that it is only a revolutionary workers and small farmers government which can serve our interests. The French revolution must go all the way!
Of course, from this heroic struggle there are some important lessons for Australian workers. Our leaders have a totally different philosophy from the fighters of France. Combet and Burrow believe in respectability. They believe in persuading governments to behave reasonably. They believe in appealing to what�s known as the �aspirational voter� They believe in being reasonable and in fair play. This means fair play for the bosses
Well in France, the reactionary legislation has been repealed. Not so for Australia! Whilst there is plenty of opposition to work place reform and �Workchoices� the fact remains that the legislation is on the books and Howard faces no serious threat.
The lesson from the French experience is this: force works. It is only when the ruling class feel seriously threatened that they feel inclined to make concessions. The ACTU wants to appeal to the aspirational voter and the middle class. But the middle classes take the working class seriously only when they are threatening power. This the ACTU leaders have no intention in doing.
Whilst the French workers struggle was inspiring, in no way should we glorify. There are still many obsticals to overcome before the French workers achieve their revolutionary objective. For a start most of them vote Socialist or Communist. There is also the contending labour bureaucracies who are hell bent on compromise
In France it is a matter of urgency that a revolutionary party be forged . This is the only real guarantee of victory. The French revolution must go all the way!