A new left alternative: ATGWU Open Conference

dublin | worker & community struggles and protests | event notice Friday May 26, 2006 23:54 by FG - ATGWU

Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union

Conference
Dublin, 17th June 2006

A new left alternative:
Organisation and representation of working people outside coalition.

Ist May 2006

Dear Colleague,

As the years of the Celtic Tiger draw to a close, inequality has worsened. Public assets and services are being privatised wholesale, the health service is in a shambles, new stealth taxes are continually introduced, and housing is a nightmare for young couples. Factory closures are a weekly occurrence and workers are facing the biggest attack on employment standards and trade union conditions in years. Yet there are now 250 people in the country with wealth of at least E35 million each. We have lived through a boom for more than ten years – we have the resources to resolve many of these problems.

Many people are now looking for a genuine alternative to this government’s neoliberal agenda, and are suspicious of opposition parties who identify with similar policies. On the electoral level this is illustrated by a steady fall in popular support for the “Podge and Rodge” of Irish politics, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Their combined share of the vote for decades topped 75 per cent. Since 1987 they have steadily won less support, and different alternatives on their left have grown. In 2002 the combined FF/FG total was 64%, compared with 84% in November 1982. The movements that supported the Irish Ferries workers and the Rossport Five show a willingness by great numbers to act in solidarity against the new corporate ruthlessness. A general election is due by May 2007 at the latest. Entering into coalition and coalition arrangements with these parties perpetuates the unjust set up and robs people of a genuine electoral and campaigning alternative.

The Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union is hosting a Conference in Dublin on 10th June 2006 to bring together all those on the left who oppose coalition with the right, to discuss how an anti-coalition left alternative can be provided for working people. Political parties and groups, trade union, community and campaign activists, and interested individuals, who are opposed to shoring up the conservative parties and wish to see an alternative built, are cordially invited to attend and participate in the day’s deliberations. An open, frank, friendly and forward- looking discussion is aimed for, without dwelling on past differences.

The Conference will take place from 11.00 am. to 4.00 pm. at the Matt Merrigan Hall, 55, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin, on Saturday 17th June 2006. For further details please contact Des Bonass at 087 7925120.

Sincerely,
Michael O’Reilly
Regional Secretary