The CWI is publishing the proposal for a 24-hour general strike and protest with a view to it being discussed by trade unionists, workers and young people, with a view to unifying the struggles unfolding in European countries. The situation in each country is varied, but a generalised mood of the need to fight austerity and war is developing throughout the continent.
A revolt against austerity, militarisation, corruption and inequality is sweeping across Europe. France is in revolt, spearheaded by school students, supported by workers and their families, and now the calling of a one-day general strike as part of the ongoing struggle against the Macron government. In Italy, over one million have taken to the streets, and workers have participated in a further general strike. Portugal has joined Spain in calling a one-day general strike on November 11th. Serbia has seen a two-year-long protest movement culminating in the defeat of the former government in recent elections. ‘Warning strikes’ have taken place in around 2,000 German metal and engineering workplaces, although it is not clear whether the union leaders will develop a serious struggle. For over a year now, Belgium has witnessed a series of sectoral and general strikes. Strikes and movements have rocked Greece as well. In October, workers in Ireland held what was effectively a one-day public sector general strike, with another planned for 12th November, when EU leaders meet in Dublin.
There is a generalised mood in most countries amongst workers and youth to struggle and fight back. Now the continent is poised for further action throughout Europe on November 20, as more trade unions, student and social organisations plan protests against austerity and war.
Now is the time to unify and co-ordinate these struggles. In the midst of these mass strikes, demonstrations and movements throughout the continent, many of the most combative workers, trade unionists and youth can see how the call for a Europe-wide 24-hour general strike and protest could be an important step forward in achieving this. Combative trade unions and activists could take the lead in fighting for this where possible. The struggle cannot wait for the bureaucratic apparatus to act.
Such action can build upon the struggles already being fought and demonstrate the potential strength of the workers’ movement to fight for an alternative to the ruling classes of Europe.
An initiative in each country could be taken by combative trade unions, union organisations, trade unionists and social movements to convene assemblies nationally.