unions fight eu constitution
WORKERS, MAR 2005 ISSUE
Leading trade unionists from more than 20 unions across the country have launched a campaign against the EU constitution, warning that it threatens public services, democracy and manufacturing. The development gives the lie to the impression that the TUC has tried to cultivate, of general support for the constitution.
The campaign, Trade Unionists Against the EU Constitution, or TUAEUC, kicked off on 22 January at Unity House, London, the headquarters of RMT, the rail, maritime and transport workers' union, at a meeting attended by 57 trade unionists, with a further 20 unable to come but sending their apologies. The 77 include 6 general secretaries,19 full time officials and 15 lay national officers.
Welcoming the delegates TUAEUC chairman Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, emphasised the need to pitch the campaign at shop floor workers. He reminded all that there would be fierce opposition and funding weighted heavily against us.
Dr Anthony Coughlan from the National Platform of Ireland gave a comprehensive analysis of the treaty behind the constitution. He reminded the meeting that workers in many parts of Europe, like Germany, will not be allowed a referendum and they are placing their hopes for self-government on the commitment to democracy of British workers. Coughlan emphasised that the constitution would create a new European Union as a legal entity for the first time. It would be a big qualitative change from the existing EU built on various forms of cooperation through treaties to a new superstate, a federal Europe.
Unlike normal constitutions, which give rules for election and law making and guarantee certain rights, the EU constitution enshrines capitalist policy and ideology and outlaws socialist change. It is a charter for the freedom of capital and sets in place the gradual abolition of national self-government.
Delegates discussed the need to ensure debate on the EU constitution in all our unions, to promote clarity and strengthen opposition by the membership. Initial focus will be union conferences and this year's TUC, advocating a No vote in the referendum. In order to keep the debate sharp, the political focus is opposition to the constitution. Given the constitution's anti-democratic pro-capitalist ideology each union will identify practically how the EU constitution undermines their members' interests. Every member will be mobilised for the No vote.
The campaign will shortly launch a pamphlet explaining what is wrong with the constitution, and a website, www.tuaeuc.org.uk.