We reproduce below the interview with Secretary General of the UD 13 which involves the
construction of a social front and from political organizations. Obviously these debates
will go deeper in the coming months and will have to find a conclusion to 51 ? Congress
(by ...) ---- Jean-Marie Battini - Can you give us the reasons why the CGT 13 to implement
this process of convergence? ---- Olivier Mateu - After the Congress of the UD 13, a first
reflection on the situation in the department confirmed that industry and public services
would suffer particularly policies implemented. There was therefore a need to organize the
fight on workers' rights, employment, and other claims. Government measures have
unfortunately proved us right. ---- There was also urgently not to remain isolated. In the
social movement of the department, the CGT has an important role, but does not claim to
exclusivity. It therefore seemed necessary to work together and to foster convergence to
stop employers and government choices, both the wages on employment or social protection.
It is for this reason that in early January, the UD CGT took the initiative to organize a
meeting with other unions, political organizations and associations.
What were the criteria by which organizations were contacted?
We contacted all the organizations that are the prospects for social progress and social
transformation ... which de facto excludes certain. Regarding the unions, we have to start
all contacted. The CFDT has informed us that this process was different choices she had
made, and FO we replied that it was against his principle of independence vis-?-vis
political parties. However, this did not prevent manifest together with FO 18 March. But
ultimately, the FSU and Partners are the only unions to be part of the process with the CGT.
For others, there are organizations of the Left Front (PCF, PG, Ensemble), the NPA Red
Loud, Attac, the UNEF, the AD, and nearly a dozen associations.
The approach is realized in several ways: own leaflet to each organization topped only by
common "hat", allowing each to make his own speech; joint appearance at events (scroll
banner behind which the representatives of each organization, with flag); Finally, joint
press conferences ...
What are the objectives in the longer term this approach? How to act on a political issue?
Through this process, we want to create a "bubbling" of ideas and the workers take control
of their own affairs. It is only on this condition that the claims have a chance to
succeed, and be able to implement a political solution.
This approach is based on the choice made by the UD 13 make every effort to promote the
convergence of struggles. There are several outbreaks of fighting on the 13th, and we
organize regular activities around a particular organizing every time, participation,
presence and support of all.
If CGT is limited to these actions, it may not only lead.
Conversely, limited to a meeting of trade unions and political associations unrelated
struggles, would be a simple incantation call.
Both approaches thus feed each other. This is why the CGT 13 was not a signatory to the
Call for national demonstration on 12 April. This does not mean that we disagreed, but
because we wanted to make wider and anchored to the struggles in the department.
Is this original approach can be found in other departments?
It seems that a similar process is put in place in the 31. If our approach can serve as a
support to others, we are happy, but we do not claim to be a "model". Each has its
specificities and what counts is to go in the same direction to block offensive relayed by
employers and the government to achieve the demands of the employees, without a job,
retired ...
Interview by Jean-Marie Battini
* The Anti-Capitalist Hebdo - 249 (07.03.2014).
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