Irish Ferries analysis

national | worker & community struggles and protests | other press Wednesday January 11, 2006 20:04 by Left observer

Interesting articles from SD on the ferries dispute

Irish Ferries: The significance of the December 9th mobilisations

How was it that demonstrations of over 150,000 workers could be followed almost immediately by the defeat of the Irish Ferries struggle and the demobilisation of the demonstrators?

Many saw the size of the demonstrations as by themselves representing the political mobilisation of the working class. In truth it only raised the question. The workers began by marching loyally behind the union leaderships. The issue is where they will end up.

The march demonstrated the potential power of the working class, but above all it demonstrated the continuing ability of the union bureaucracy to confine and limit that power. However, that ability of the union leadership is itself constrained by the pressure of events and dependent on the workers remaining passive.

(continues at link)