Italian workers issue an appeal to the workers of the world

http://www.marxist.com/italian-workers-issue-an-appeal-to-the-workers-of-the-world.htm







The comrades of the IMT in Italy, Sinistra Classe Rivoluzione launched a campaign, “Workers are not cannon fodder” for the closure of all non-essential production, with the workers to be sent home on full pay, and where work is deemed essential for full protective equipment to be provided and safety procedures strictly adhered to. Their campaign appeal saw over 200 trade union shop stewards and activists sign up immediately, and more workers are signing every day. Add your name to show your support!

Despite the call for people to stay at home, the Italian government, under pressure from the bosses, has allowed non-essential workplaces to remain open, with millions of workers being forced to work in close proximity. This is a major contributing factor in spreading COVID-19. Spontaneous strikes have broken out in many factories, call centres and other workplaces across Italy, as the workers became concerned about the lack of appropriate safety equipment and procedures. Our Italian comrades were heavily involved in this movement, with many of their shop steward comrades playing a leading role.

On Monday 30 March, a public online meeting was organised, which saw the participation of around 250 people. The meeting was opened by Mario Iavazzi, a comrade of the IMT and a CGIL full-time official in the healthcare sector, and also a member of the national committee of the CGIL. He explained the aim of the campaign and outlined the dramatic situation faced by workers in all sectors.

All those who intervened highlighted one common theme: management tended to play down the impact of COVID-19 and insisted workers should go to work despite the dangers to their health. They also explained how, in workplaces where for years organising a trade union, let alone promoting strike action, was very difficult, now there is a heightened awareness of the need to organise. Where previously bosses tried to promote the idea that “we are one big happy family”, workers have begun to see through this as it has become evident that their lives are considered less valuable than company profits.

The meeting was broadcast on YouTube with an English translation of the proceedings (posted below). The meeting issued an appeal to the workers of the world in which they state: “...we must unite across borders and build a coordinated effort of the workers of the world. With united, international workers’ action we can force the capitalists to back off and accept our legitimate demands.”


We are publishing the appeal here, together with the list of original signatories to the Italian appeal. We call on workers from all countries to add their names to this appeal and circulate it among their work colleagues and in their unions. Workers in all countries are being forced to choose between their health and their jobs. This is exposing the real ugly face of capitalism. The problem is an international one and the response must be international. An injury to one is an injury to all. Workers of all countries unite!
Sign the appeal below to show your solidarity!