1 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017 Prolétaires de tous les pays, unissez-vous! Otatoskewak ota kitaskinahk mamawentotan Workers of all lands, unite!
NOV. Chavistas 1-15, 2017 people's win big VOL. 25 Page 9 #18 Printed by union labour in Canada $1.50 Canada Post Publications Mail VOICE Agreement #40011632 1917-20171917-2017 Centenary of the Great October Socialist Revolution
Events to mark the greatest political event of the 20th century - see pages 2 & 6 - Get out of NAFTA! Nationalize Bombardier: Stop the Giveaway - page 2 -
3 INSIDE 12 Canadian labour history "Dangerous times" 4 Canadian Peace Congress acting A victim of austerity The Great October Socialist president Miguel Figueroa was on a Revolution had a huge impact on western Canada speaking tour during After bureaucratic rules cut off the the working class in Canada, October, warning that the US pension he earned by a life of hard work, helping radical trade union leaders administration poses a dangerous Billy's rent cheque bounced. He died on and anti-war activists to win wide threat of global war. Toronto's Danforth, a victim of austerity. support for socialist ideas. 2 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017 Nationalize Bombardier: Stop the Giveaway
Statement by the Central was NAFTA, and the decision of stake in the C-series for 7.5 years, wages, poor working conditions, to the working class in Canada. Executive Committee, the US administration to slap a while sales will be larger because and a union-free, regulation-free The practice of massive public Communist Party of Canada 300% tariff on Bombardier’s Airbus is a mega-player in the environment all acceptable bailouts to huge corporations, in sales of the C-series jet to Delta aerospace industry. reasons to move production out exchange for job guarantees that The Communist Party’s airlines in the US. The tariff was Canadian workers get left of Canada. evaporate, must end. The Executive Committee is the result of demands holding the bag for public This is another perfect example aerospace and transportation demanding the federal by the US based-Boeing investments and loans that will of why Canada should pull the industry is a key element in government immediately corporation which never be repaid, and for jobs that plug and get out of NAFTA now. Canada’s economy and it must block the corporate deal claimed that Bombar- will never materialize because Continuing in NAFTA means be developed in the interests of with Airbus that will kill dier was unfairly wages are so much lower in the continuing to watch as the people, not corporate profit. thousands of new jobs subsidized by the US. In fact, there is a good chance manufacturing and industrial jobs Enough is enough! Get out of and give away controlling Canadian govern-ment. that the 2,000 Bombardier jobs in are routinely stripped out of NAFTA! Nationalize Bombardier interest in Canada’s C- To get around the tariff, Montreal could disappear, as Canada, while wages are beaten and block the deal with Airbus. series jet for $1. Bombardier made a production ramps up in Alabama. down, pensions are gutted and Build the C-series jet in Canada. Further, Parliament must step deal with Airbus to build the jets NAFTA gives corporations unions and labour rights are And build a Canada-wide trans- up to put Bombardier under public in Alabama, in a non-union shop, complete freedom to set up and undermined and destroyed. portation system that’s publicly ownership and democratic control, in a US right-to- work state. In close down wherever and Private corporations have owned and democratically and pull the plug on NAFTA which exchange Bombardier gets a 31% whenever they want, with low repeatedly demonstrated, in their controlled, and meets the needs of has contributed in a big way to this pursuit of profit, that they cannot the people who live and work in debacle. be relied upon to provide good Canada – not those corporations Bombardier’s $8.7 billion debt jobs with fair wages and benefits, that profit here. includes over $6 billion spent on development of the C-series jet – a project meant to make Canada a leader in the global aerospace industry, creating thousands of new Ontario college faculty jobs in Canada. That’s why the federal government made $1.3 on strike against billion in loans to Bombardier and why the Quebec government precarious work invested $1.25 billion for what began as a 49.5% interest, now shrunk to just 19%. PV Ontario Bureau While reaching into the public purse time after time, Bom- On October 16, 12,000 college faculty went on strike at Colleges bardier’s executives were being of Applied Arts and Technology (CAATs) across Ontario. The paid millions in publicly funded faculty are members of the Ontario Public Service Employees bonuses year after year – without Union (OPSEU). any public oversight or control. The strike began after the College Employer Council (CEC) What induced Bombardier to rejected a streamlined final offer from the union and walked away hand over control of the C-Series from the table. OPSEU negotiators described the offer as “bare jet to the European based Airbus, minimum we need to ensure quality education for students and treat contract faculty fairly.” The union’s offer included several non- monetary proposals such as stronger recognition of academic freedom, improved seniority provisions, and longer notice periods for teaching contracts and work assignments. Conference and celebrations across Canada The offer also included the union’s key demand for a 50:50 ratio of full-time to non-full-time faculty. Ontario colleges have steadily to mark centenary of Great October and deliberately increased the number and proportion of part-time and contract teaching positions, which currently outnumber full- The 100th anniversary of the include People’s Voice editor communist leader George Gidora time positions by nearly three times. Great October Socialist Kimball Cariou, and Nova Scotia on alliances of the working class The strike is also about the faculty’s desire to enhance the quality Revolution - the outstanding communist activist and academic and other forces. of education they provide to students. The union has argued that political event of the 20th century Jim Sacouman. The final session of the precarious employment for faculty directly erodes their ability to will be marked this month by a In a session on “creating and conference is titled “Two properly prepare and present courses. number of celebrations (see page defending the socialist state – the Alternative Histories – Socialism As with many other public services and institutions in Ontario, 6), as well as by a November 18- early years of the revolution”, vs. Capitalism”. BC communist CAATs have increasingly adopted corporate and privatized labour 19 weekend theoretical retired Hamilton labour activist activist Hanne Gidora will practices. In all of these cases this trend has undermined the quality conference, hosted in Toronto with Sam Hammond and former compare the record of planned and accessibility of those services, and it has sharply eroded online participation from other Ryerson University sociology socialist development vs. profit- working conditions and union strength. cities. instructor Jeanne McGuire will driven capitalist “development”. Ontario Communist Party leader, Dave McKee, observes that, Using webinar technology and describe the new Soviet socialist Ontario Communist leader Dave “One of the underlying issues to this dispute is the provincial viewing screens, presenters will McKee will contrast the government’s ongoing underfunding of colleges. At a time when speak on a wide range of topics, internationalist foreign policy of colleges have expanded their mandates, provincial funding has beginning with the background to the Soviet Union to the inability dropped by nearly 20%, and continues to fall.” OPSEU has noted the Revolution and the events of of social democratic governments that Ontario ranks tenth out of ten provinces when it comes to its first days, and the place of “Great to change imperialist foreign college funding on a per-student basis, with the government October” in the subsequent policies. Finally, Communist committing to a pitiful 0.2% increase for the 2017-18 year, and zero revolutions which rocked Party of Canada leader Liz increase for 2018/19. capitalism and imperialism for Rowley will address the urgent McKee said that pressure from underfunding has led colleges decades. Other speakers will historical necessity of socialism to make up the difference through a combination of increased examine the struggle to create and to tackle the environmental crisis, student fees and increasingly precarious employment conditions defend the first socialist state, the and to meet human needs on a for faculty. “Instead of standing up for public education at the Soviet approach to advance the global scale. college level and demanding adequate funding, the colleges have rights of women and oppressed Because of the four and a half used government underfunding as an excuse to increase precarious nations, the contrast between state, and the factors of mass hour time zone different across employment for faculty, to pursue different forms of privatization, planned socialist development involvement and political the country, the meetings will take and to diminish education for 300,000 college students in versus the profit-driven and crisis- leadership in the building of place at different times: from 10 Ontario.” ridden capitalist system, the role socialism. Former CPC leader am to 4 pm on both days in British The Communist Party is demanding that the College Employer of the USSR in the international Miguel Figueroa will speak on the Columbia; 11 am to 5 pm in Council return immediately to the bargaining table and negotiate a struggles for peace and national factors which contributed to the Alberta; 12 noon to 6 pm in fair contract with faculty. The Party is also calling on the provincial liberation, and the historic case defeat of socialism in the early Manitoba; 1-7 pm in Ontario and government to increase college funding now, so that faculty can for socialism and communism on 1990s, and lessons to be drawn Quebec; 2-8 pm in Nova Scotia provide students with the education they need and deserve. a global scale. from this experience. and New Brunswick; and 2:30- “As Ontario prepares for a provincial election next spring,” says Sessions and speakers will The third session will focus on 8:30 pm in Newfoundland & McKee, “we will push hard for an immediate halt to the government’s include the following “Class and Democratic Labrador. privatization strategy, and for the reversal of two decades of The opening session on “The Development”, with speakers For details of locations in your corporate tax cuts that currently total $18 billion in lost revenue each Process of Revolution”will present including long-time women’s province, call the following year. The working class in Ontario needs that revenue to adequately a historical synopsis focusing on movement activist Jane Bouey on numbers: 604-254-9836 inBritish fund more, not less, public services and institutions.” the birth of Lenin’s “party of a new the Soviet approach to women and Columbia; 780-934-7893 in College faculty have set up picket lines at each of Ontario’s 24 type,” the revolution of 1905, the gender issues, YCL leader Adrien Alberta; 416-469-2446 in Ontario; CAATs, and have already received strong support from other labour collapse of the First International, Welsh on the revolution and youth, 902-542-7981 in Nova Scotia/ and community organizations. and the outbreak of revolution in Parti communiste du Québec New Brusnswick. The central More information and updates are available at the union’s strike Russia - the “weakest link” in the leader Pierre Fontaine on the office of the CPC can be reached page, www.collegefaculty.org. imperialist chain. Speakers will national question, and BC at 416-469-2446. 3 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017 Unity strategy needed for 2018 civic election in Vancouver
PV Vancouver Bureau condo units. But while increased NPA’s Hector Bremner won the among progressive forces gave the NPA’s Gordon Campbell easily supply was supposed to reduce seat, but with just 27.8% of the advantage to the two big pro- defeated Rankin, and the NPA won The October 14 Vancouver prices, rents and housing prices total, hardly an overwhelming developer parties, which we said 7 of 10 council seats plus 8 trustee civic byelection for one city have instead skyrocketed. Com- victory. Jean Swanson, on the could allow the NPA to win the positions. council seat and nine school bined with stagnant incomes, ballot as an independent candidate council seat with as little as thirty “The outcome on October 14 trustees was an interesting test of working people and even for council, took 21.4% and second percent of the vote. This projection reinforces our view that unity of left political winds heading towards professionals find it increasingly place, after mobilizing hundreds was remarkably close to the final and progressive forces must be a the regular municipal elections difficult to find affordable housing. of volunteers and mounting a result. There is no guarantee that if high priority heading into the 2018 next year. The results were mixed, Vision won a majority in 2008 strong campaign around demands One City had dropped its municipal election. The Communist with strong votes for progressive with the support of the organized for a rent freeze and a “mansion nomination of Graves, all of her Party urges an end to sectarian candidates, but the Communist labour movement, after the NPA tax.” Pete Fry of the Greens started votes would have gone to Swanson. accusations in the wake of this Party renews our warning that provoked a bitter strike by outside the campaign strongly, but faltered Some would have gone to the byelection. We support the post- right-wing and pro-developer civic workers. But in this fall’s to finish third at 20.3%. In fourth Greens, forexample. But the final election efforts to bring together all forces could easily take advantage byelection, for the first time Vision place was the city’s former housing outcome would have been closer, left and progressive civic forces, of divisions among progressive failed to win the backing of the advocate, Judy Graves, who took and it seems possible that Swanson including the Swanson campaign, groups to win majorities at both Vancouver & District Labour 13.2% as the candidate for the could have won. On the other hand, One City, and COPE, as well as the levels in 2018. Council, in part due to its policy of left-oriented One City party. considering that the voter turnout VDLC, for urgent discussions The council campaign focused taking jobs out of the scope of At the School Board level, was just 11 percent, we caution around options for cooperation in almost entirely on the housing collective agreements with CUPE incumbent Janet Fraser and two against reading too much into the the next campaign. In our view, the crisis in Vancouver. The two and other civic unions. The loss of other Green candidates topped the byelection figures. mixed nature of Green policies parties which have dominated City labour backing, and wide public polls. Vision elected three, “We also note that byelections makes their inclusion in such Council since 2005, Vision and anger over the housing crisis, left including two of its incumbents are not always an indication of discussions unhelpful at this time. the Non-Partisan Association, Vision’s Diego Cardona fifth plus former trustee Ken Clement. future results. In 1985, for example, “In the past, COPE’s electoral have consistently advocated among nine council candidates, The NPA elected two, and One COPE won all nine positions in a successes were based on building market-driven policies to taking just 11.3%. City made its first electoral break- special VSB byelection, after the a powerful alliance of the trade encourage developers to build Not surprisingly, the right-wing through, electing Carrie Bercic. trustees elected the previous year union movement, anti-poverty and This creates a new political were undemocratically removed by tenant groups, grassroots terrain for the VSB. The new NDP the Social Credit provincial community organizations, and government has partially government. At the same time, NDPers, Communists and other “Most dangerous addressed the education under- Bruce Yorke, a well-known left-wing activists. Such a strategy funding crisis created by the former Communist Party member, won a is needed again today, to reach a Liberals in Victoria, and it remains runoff byelection as a COPE minimum agreement to avoid vote- period since 1962” to be seen which direction this candidate against the NPA’s Phillip splitting, maximizing the chances new group of trustees will take. Owen. These results led COPE to to elect city councillors on a warns Figueroa Some will want to act as strong believe it could win majorities at all platform based on defending the political advocates to defend levels in the 1986 campaign, and its interests of working people and By Ed Lehman, Regina public education, while others are highest profile City Council the poor, and school trustees who tied to private school interests and member, Harry Rankin, was will fight to defend and improve Miguel Figueroa, Acting President of the Canadian Peace may defer to board management nominated for mayor. Instead, the public education.” Congress, addressed a well-attended public meeting in Regina on on key issues. Even the election of October 16, the last stop on the western part of his fall speaking tour. a new VSB chair is hard to predict, Referring to the monuments honouring war veterans in nearby given these very different outlooks. Victoria Park, Figueroa pointed out that these are a reminder of war, One possibility is that the two NPA and that millions of people died in both World War 1 and World War trustees may back Janet Fraser for 2. He observed that we are in the “most dangerous period since chair, but some have suggested 1962.” that Bercic could be acceptable to Figueroa discussed key hot spots in the world and mentioned that the other parties, especially since many conflicts are under the radar. He singled out Yemen as an she has a strong understanding of example and explained that Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States, and the VSB operations. U.S. are acting together against Yemen. Responding to the outcome of Discussing the interconnectedness of the various conflicts in the the byelection, the BC Provincial world, Figueroa observed that any place that says it won’t follow the Executive of the Communist Party dictates of the World Bank finds itself under assault. He discussed of Canada issued the following the use of economic levers against countries striving for economic statement: Jean Swanson's dynamic Carrie Bercic became the first independence, the role of the international media to attack leaders “Our Party stated at the outset campaign saw her place elected One City candidate, as who do not go along with the World Bank and IMF, and observed of the campaign that divisions second in the city council vote. a new school trustee. how opposition forces are financed and create crisis. The current government of Canada, he said, is even more hawkish that Harper’s government, and noted the plan to increase Canadian military by a projected 75%. However, he also pointed out that the domination of U.S. CUPW urges Wynne to strengthen Bill 148 imperialism is receding, and that it is projected that China will surpass the USA in a few years as an important power in the world. The Canadian Union of Postal profits off exploiting workers in to plan for the future. He reminded the audience of the plans and projections of the right- Workers (CUPW) is calling on the low-wage and precarious jobs. We know that temporary, wing Committee for a New Century, noting how NATO is right on Ontario government to strengthen “While Bill 148 takes us in the contract and part-time workers are the border of Russia, and that the “Pivot to Asia” started under Bill 148, The Fair Workplaces, right direction, it falls short in some some of the most vulnerable President Obama. He also pointed out how the U.S. is influencing a Better Jobs Act. vital ways. We are especially workers and that women, change in Japan’s anti-militarist constitution, and that US military In a letter to Premier Kathleen concerned with some of the immigrants, and people of colour bases are now in Australia. At the same time, in Latin America there Wynne, the union, which amendments that were made after make up a disproportionate is a shift away from support for agenda of the big monopolies. represents 20,695 workers in the legislation was announced. We percentage of these workers. Referencing Donald Trump’s threats against the Democratic Ontario, says it supports many of call on this government to Temporary, part-time, and Peoples’ Republic of Korea, Figueroa explained that the DPRK the proposed changes in the Bill strengthen, not weaken, Bill 148. contract workers should be paid believes it needs a deterrent, after living without a peace treaty since 148, particularly the $15 minimum “CUPW has over 3000 the same as permanent workers 1953 because the U.S. refuses to sign. wage, fairer scheduling, expanded members living in Peel Region doing the same job, deserve fair Having recently returned from a solidarity conference in Syria, emergency leave protections, and and working at facilities like and advanced scheduling, and Figueroa explained that the conflict in that country is not a civil war; the provisions on equal pay for Gateway Mail Processing Plant, genuine protections if they become but rather a proxy war, and that Syria has been a progressive, secular equal work. one of the Canada Post network’s ill or injured on the job. We are state which has supported the Palestinian struggle. He reported the “We applaud the efforts of all largest distribution centres. Peel is very concerned with the loopholes good news is that 85% of the country is now out of the hands of Al the community organizations, home to many large distribution that have been introduced to the Qaeda or ISIS. workers, and unions who fought and logistics companies that profit Bill that will allow employers to Touching on Venezuela, which Figueroa also recently visited, he tirelessly to bring about these from a heavy reliance on low-wage evade the scheduling and equal noted the left victory there in the Oct. 15 regional elections, and important changes,” says the letter, workers. Too many workers in pay provisions. Workers will be observed that we in Canada should be responsible for our own signed by CUPW National this area are stuck in the vicious unable to meaningfully enforce government, which along with the US has been undermining the President Mike Palecek. cycle of temporary work, exploited their new entitlements regarding government of Venezuela. “Immediately following the by both the temp agencies and the right to refuse shifts and last minute Concluding his talk by discussing Canadian foreign policy, announcement of the legislation, client companies. Others are cancellation of shifts if they do not Figueroa said the so-called BMD is not “defensive” - it is a big business – led by millionaire forced to work as independent receive their schedules in advance. repackaged version of Reagan’s Star Wars, and part and parcel of the CEOs –came out in force, contractors in roles that should be Defining seniority by number of U.S. first strike nuclear policy. Canada doesn’t need nukes to protect declaring publicly just how much categorized as full-time, hours worked, as opposed to date itself, he said, and it should have been with the 122 countries which they stand to lose by being required permanent jobs. Those with of hire, will only further entrench voted to abolish nuclear weapons on July 7th at the United Nations. to provide decent wages and permanent jobs are often part-time, inequality between part-time and Stressing that it will take great effort to have the NDP and Liberals working conditions. Their outcry struggling with unpredictable full-time workers and undermine take astrong position for peace, Figueroa called for the reinvigoration exposed the truth that working schedules and low wages, never the intent of the equal pay of the peace movement, and concluded that “I am optimistic”. people in this province have always knowing week-to-week if they will known: big business makes huge make ends meet, and hard-pressed see BILL 148, p. 11 4 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017 EDITORIALS Oppose divisive Bill 62 Bill 62, Quebec’s legislation requiring those who access public services to show their faces, is a attempt to fan the flames of anti- immigrant hatred, under the false claim of promoting “secularism.” The law was adopted in the National Assembly, literally under a Catholic crucifix which symbolized the unity of church and state at a time when criticism of religion was virtually illegal. Like its predecessor, the Quebec Charter of Values, which was defeated by public opposition, Bill 62 is loaded with contradictions. For example, what constitutes a face covering, in a province where people wear scarves for months during winter? This vicious law is intended purely to harass a small number of women who practise certain Muslim beliefs - those who wear the niqab, or likely even the hijab which does not actually obscure one’s face. The aim is to villify Islam as a religion which is counter to so- called “western values”. In a country founded on the “values” of genocide against indigenous peoples, and brutal racism against immigrants of Asian origin, the excuse that Bill 62 “protects secularism” is an utterly shameful version of the lie that Canada is a “white man’s country.” Of course, this newspaper does not defend religion - we believe that public institutions must display neutrality towards religions. We seek to unite the working class against the attacks of the capitalists and to fight for socialism. But we also support the PV seller dies on the Danforth freedom of conscience and the democratic right of individuals to practice their religions or to have none. We advocate persuasion and education to develop scientific understanding, not coercion which – a victim of austerity will inevitably backfire. As Frederick Engels said, “persecution is In early October, one of our Billy. It was deferred wages. It that day, though it would be two or the best way to strengthen adverse convictions,” to heighten interest People’s Voice distributors in was his, unconditionally. Service three days before the funds arrived in religion, and to make its actual decline more difficult. Toronto asked us for help with his Canada had no right to stop the in the bank. Two days later Billy pension. For some reason he’d pension, and since he had no other died on the street. He was in his Imperialist hypocrisy been cut off and hadn’t received a income they had turned his life usual spot on the Danforth selling nickel since August. A recipient upside down with the flick of a People’s Voice. He suffered a heart The level of Norteamericano imperialist arrogance towards the of CPP, OAS and GIS, he was pen: no food to eat, no groceries, attack, brought on by stress they Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has peaked in the wake of the poor and the public pension was no rent, no transit, no nothing. said. No kidding. October 15 regional elections. To the dismay of US and Canadian his only income. To make matters Well that’s our policy, the man Capitalism kills. Austerity kills. leaders, the pro-Chavista forces which support President Nicolas worse, his rent cheque to Toronto at Service Canada said. He should Justice for Billy means an end Maduro did better than expected in some quarters, winning 18 of 23 Community Housing had bounced, have answered the letter. How’s to arbitrary cutoffs of pensions state governorships. Bowing to public opinion, and recognizing that the bank had charged him an NSF he supposed to do that, we asked: and assistance to vulnerable their recent campaign to overthrow Maduro through street violence fee of $45, and TCHC was he has no phone, he has no email, people. It means increasing has backfired, four of the five opposition-backed governors agreed demanding the rent. Billy was in a and he had no money for envelopes pensions and incomes to livable to be sworn into their positions by Delcy Rodriguez, the head of big jam. and stamps. And who’s going to levels. It means affordable housing Venezuela’s Constituent Assembly. Venezuelan sovereignty and When we finally got through to fix this mess he’s in, caused by that’s not on the edge of town. It democracy have weathered this Yankee-inspired storm, and the Service Canada’s CPP department, your department’s decision to just means dignity and respect for country can focus on tackling its urgent economic and social issues. we were told that Billy had been cut him off? human rights, and the enforcement But anyone who listens only to politicians in Washington and cut off because he hadn’t answered We’re not in the habit of paying of those economic and social Ottawa would never understand this reality. Instead, the Trump a letter. Incredulous, we pointed other people’s bills, he said. rights. administration and the Trudeau Liberals (speaking through fascist- out that the pension belonged to They reinstated Billy’s benefits A million seniors in Canada are friendly Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland), continue to invent in the same vulnerable position arguments that the Venezuelan regional elections were “fraudulent.” that Billy was in. Just one cheque This is particularly rich coming from Washington, where the ultra- Majority would like socialism restored away from complete disaster. Billy right president received 2.9 million votes less than his rival but took died on the street; most die at office due to the historical anachronism known as the Electoral With files from teleSUR home. College. We also note that while the Democrats complain about It’s time for the labour and “foreign meddling”, both US parties have continually interfered in The majority of Russians polled in a 2016 study said they would peoples’ movements to demand the electoral campaigns of dozens of other countries for decades. prefer living under the old Soviet Union and would like to see the real action on pensions and The fact is that the Venezuelan regional elections were conducted socialist system and the Soviet state restored. incomes now. Pensions need to peacefully by the National Electoral Council, and that over than 11 According to the poll conducted by the Levada Center, over 50 rise substantially and the age needs million people cast ballots, a turnout of 61.4%. The results have percent of Russian citizens believe the collapse of the Soviet Union was to drop. And pensions need to be been accepted by most of the opposition. This is in sharp contrast to bad and could have been avoided. Only 28 percent of the population locked into defined benefit plans the US system, which is notorious for gerrymandering, confusing surveyed felt positive about its collapse, while 16 percent were unable like the CPP, not jumped-up RRSP procedures and systematic voter suppression against Blacks and to answer such a complex question. plans that leave people penniless other racialized people. If Chrystia Freeland and Justin Trudeau A little more than half of respondents stated that the demise of the soon after retirement. Govern- want to find “fraudulent” elections, they should look on the other Soviet Union could have been prevented, while 33 percent said it was ments jump when big corporations side of the border, not in Venezuela. inevitable. make their demands. No more cap Fourteen percent of respondents see the restoration of the Soviet in hand – the public must fight to Union as quite realistic, while 44 percent consider it unfeasible. Thirty- force action on pensions and PEOPLE'S VOICE one percent of people said they would not be happy with such a turn of incomes. And labour must lead. ISSN number 1198-8657 Published by New Labour Press Ltd. events, however. People’s needs, not corporate Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40011632 The center also published that nostalgia for the USSR is at an all-time greed. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept., high since 2000. This could be tied to the fact that for the first time since People's Voice, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 the recession era of 2008-2009, Russians are spending more than half Tel: 604.255.2041 Email: [email protected] of their monthly income on food, according to a study by the Institute Volunteers and contributors for this issue: of Social Analysis and Forecasting Institute. Renew According to a comprehensive poll conducted by Gallup in 2013, Dave Arland, Ed Bil, Wally Brooker, Drew Garvie, Ed Lehman, “residents of [11 of the 15] former Soviet republics are more than twice today! Dave McKee, Nino Pagliccia, Darrell Rankin, Liz Rowley, as likely to say the breakup hurt (51 percent) than benefited their Larry Wasslen, and our mailers in Vancouver & Toronto. Check your label countries (24 percent).” Editor: Kimball Cariou Business Manager: Hassan Azimikor In essence, the neoliberal policies of the EU-aligned former Soviet Please check the Editorial Advisory Board: republics have created deep crises in nearly every aspect of social and address label on the Jane Bouey, Kimball Cariou, Drew Garvie, economic life. From plummeting birth rates to an exploding orphaned front page to see if Dave McKee, Pierre Fontaine, Elizabeth Rowley population, the notion of a brighter future should certainly give any observer pause. Additionally, the post-Soviet period has given rise to a it’s time to renew. LETTERS dangerous wave of ethnic politics in which the governments of these Subscribers who find countries are often made up of the ethnic majority which is aligned to "2017/11/01" on their People's Voice welcomes your letters. We reserve the Brussels and the Washington Consensus, and which demonizes ethnic label, for example, right to edit for length and clarity, and to refuse to print minorities, especially Russians. will have their letters which may be libellous or which contain personal attacks. Send your views to: "Letters to the Editor" subscriptions expire 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 or Build the working class press! with this issue, [email protected] November 1-15, 2017. Subscribe to People's Voice online: Send in your renewal People's Voice articles may be reprinted without today! permission provided the source is credited. www.peoplesvoice.ca 5 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017
Our series marking the 100th anniversary of the Great October To The Socialist Revolution continues with this message written by Vladimir Lenin in November 1917, calling upon the people of Population Russia to safeguard the successful socialist Revolution.
Comrades—workers, soldiers, covertly. Every politically- accounting and control, apart from products. Arrest and hand over to Take all power into the hands of peasants and all working people! conscious worker was well aware levying the set taxes in full the the revolutionary courts all who your Soviets. Be watchful and guard The workers’ and peasants’ that we would inevitably encounter government has no intention of dare to injure the people’s cause, like the apple of your eye your land, revolution has definitely resistance of this kind. The entire introducing any other measure. irrespective of whether the injury grain, factories, equipment, triumphed in Petrograd, having Party press of the Bolsheviks has In support of these just demands is manifested in sabotaging products, transport—all that from dispersed or arrested the last written about this on numerous the vast majority of the people production (damage, delay and now onwards will be entirely your remnants of the small number of occasions. Not for a single minute have rallied round the Provisional subversion), or in hoardinggrain property, public property. Cossacks deceived by Kerensky. will the working classes be Workers’ and Peasants’ and products or holding up Gradually, with the consent and The revolution has triumphed in approval of the majority of the Moscow too. Even before the peasants, in keeping with their arrival of a number of troop trains practical experience and that of the dispatched from Petrograd, the workers, we shall go forward firmly officer cadets and other and unswervingly to the victory of Kornilovites in Moscow signed socialism—a victory that will be peace terms — the disarming of sealed by the advanced workers of the cadets and the dissolution of the most civilised countries, bring the Committee of Salvation.[see the peoples lasting peace and footnote] liberate them from all oppression Daily and hourly reports are and exploitation. coming in from the front and from V. Ulyanov (Lenin), Chairman the villages announcing the support of the Council of People’s of the overwhelming majority of Commissars the soldiers in the trenches and the (* The Committee of Salvation, peasants in the uyezds intimidated by this resistance; they Government. shipments of grain, disorganising or Committee of Public Safety, [administrative districts - Ed.] for will not falter in any way before Comrades, working people! the railways and the postal, was set up on November 7, 1917, the new government and its decrees the threats and strikes of the Remember that now you telegraph and telephone services, by the Moscow City Council to on peace and the immediate supporters of the bourgeoisie. yourselves are at the helm of state. or any resistance whatever to the fight the Soviets in Moscow, and transfer of the land to the peasants. The majority of the people are No one will help you if you great cause of peace, the cause of led the counter-revolutionary The victory of the workers’ and with us. The majority of the yourselves do not unite and take transferring the land to the revolt of officer cadets which broke peasants’ revolution is assured working and oppressed people all into your hands all affairs of the peasants, of ensuring workers’ out on November 10. The revolt because the majority of the people over the world are with us. Ours is state. Your Soviets are from now control over the production and was crushed on November 15, and have already sided with it. the cause of justice. Our victory is on the organs of state authority, distribution of products. the Committee capitulated to the It is perfectly understandable assured. legislative bodies with full powers. Comrades, workers, soldiers, Moscow Revolutionary Military that the landowners and capitalists, The resistance of the capitalists Rally around your Soviets. peasants and all working people! Committee.) and the top groups of office and the high-ranking employees Strengthen them. Get on with the employees and civil servants will be smashed. Not a single job yourselves; begin right at the closely linked with the bourgeoisie, person will be deprived of his bottom, do not wait for anyone. in a word, all the wealthy and property except under the special Establish the strictest revolutionary those supporting them, react to the state law proclaiming law and order, mercilessly new revolution with hostility, resist nationalisation of the banks and suppress any attempts to create its victory, threaten to close the syndicates. This law is being anarchy by drunkards, hooligans, banks, disrupt or bring to a drafted. Not one of the working counter-revolutionary officer standstill the work of the different people will suffer the loss of a cadets, Kornilovites and their like. establishments, and hamper the kopek; on the contrary, he will be Ensure the strictest control over revolution in every way, openly or helped. Apart from the strictest production and accounting of
The October uprising was the salvation of international socialism
Excerpts from “The Russian “German bayonets in German embraced the mass of the army, hands of the soviets – this was iron hand and place its goals ever Revolution,” written in 1918 fists,” as the Neue Zeit under which raised the same demand for indeed the only way out of the farther ahead, or it is quite soon by German revolutionary Kautsky’s editorship once immediate peace, and the mass of difficulty into which the revolution thrown backward behind its feeble leader Rosa Luxemburg, promised in an editorial. They the peasants, who pushed the had gotten; this was the sword point of departure and suppressed months before her show, on the contrary, that the agrarian question into the stroke with which they cut the by counter-revolution. To stand assassination in Berlin. freeing of Russia had its roots deep foreground, that agrarian question Gordian knot, freed the revolution still, to mark time on one spot, to in the soil of its own land and was which since 1905 had been the from a narrow blind-alley and be contented with the first goal The Russian Revolution is the fully matured internally. very axis of the revolution.... opened up for it an untrammeled ithappens to reach, is never mightiest event of the World War. path into the free and open fields. possible in revolution. And he who Its outbreak, its unexampled The party of Lenin was thus the tries to apply the home-made radicalism, its enduring only one in Russia which grasped wisdom derived from consequences, constitute the the true interest of the revolution parliamentary battles between clearest condemnation of the lying in that first period. It was the frogs and mice to the field of phrases which official Social- element that drove the revolution revolutionary tactics only shows Democracy so zealously supplied forward, and, thus it was the only thereby that the very psychology at the beginning of the war as an party which really carried on a and laws of existence of revolution ideological cover for German socialist policy. are alien to him and that all imperialism’s campaign of It is this which makes clear, too, historical experience is to him a conquest. I refer to the phrases why it was that the Bolsheviks, book sealed with seven seals. concerning the mission of German though they were at the beginning ...All the revolutionary honour bayonets, which were to overthrow of the revolution a persecuted, and capacity which western Russian Czarism and free its slandered and hunted minority Social-Democracy lacked was oppressed peoples. attacked on all sides, arrived within represented by the Bolsheviks. The mighty sweep of the the shortest time to the head of the Their October uprising was not revolution in Russia, the profound revolution and were able to bring only the actual salvation of the results which have transformed all One of Rosa Luxemburg's most famous quotes, under their banner all the genuine Russian Revolution; it was also class relationships, raised all social from "The Junius Pamphlet" (1916) masses of the people: the urban the salvation of the honour of and economic problems, and, with proletariat, the army, the peasants, international socialism. the fatality of their own inner logic as well as the revolutionary developed consistently from the ... From the very first moment, In this situation, the Bolshevik elements of democracy, the left "The freeing of Russia was first phase of the bourgeois the driving force of the revolution tendency performs the historic wing of the Socialist- not an achievement of the republic to ever more advanced was the mass of the urban service of having proclaimed from Revolutionaries. war and the military defeat stages, finally reducing the fall of proletariat. However, its demands the very beginning, and having ...In this, the Russian Revolution of Czarism, not some service Czarism to the status of a mere did not limit themselves to the followed with iron consistency, has but confirmed the basic lesson of “German bayonets in minor episode – all these things realization of political democracy those tactics which alone could of every great revolution, the law German fists” ... it had its show as plain as day that the freeing but were concerned with the save democracy and drive the of its being, which decrees: either roots deep in the soil of its of Russia was not an achievement burning question of international revolution ahead. All power the revolution must advance at a own land and was fully of the war and the military defeat policy – immediate peace. At the exclusively in the hands of the rapid, stormy, resolute tempo, matured internally." of Czarism, not some service of same time, the revolution worker and peasant masses, in the break down all barriers with an 6 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017 The 100th Anniversary of Great October
Statement of the Central The Soviet revolution shook Despite unremitting imperialist the enduring significance of Great world. Executive Committee, imperialism as never before. Yet it hostility and subversion, the Soviet October. Socialism’s historical Imperialism is responding with Communist Party of Canada, stood on the shoulders of more Union endured for over seven balance-sheet was over- growing reaction, militarism and October 2017 than one hundred years of working decades, scoring many great whelmingly positive, not only for war. In the US, Canada, Europe, class and national liberation achievements, overcoming the people of the Soviet Union but India and other regions, far-right, Throughout November, struggles. Millions of workers had unemployment, illiteracy, and indeed for all humanity. The racist and neo-Nazi forces aim to celebrations around the world will supported the First and Second social deprivation. Socialism in misery and impoverishment which divide and weaken the working mark the centenary of the Internationals, whose goal was the Soviet Union transformed an have befallen millions ofpeople in class movement, and to roll back outstanding political event of the world peace and socialism, in sharp economically and culturally the former Soviet Union and the equality gains achieved by trade 20th century: the Great October contrast to the imperialist strivings “backward” country into one of Eastern Europe since the early unions, women, LGBTQ people, Socialist Revolution of 1917. the world’s leading 1990s (especially women whose and immigrants. But the forces of By overthrowing the Russian powers, and made great equality gains were rolled back), imperialism and reaction cannot capitalists, landowners and advances in culture and and the massive profiteering by hold back the irresistible power aristocrats, the workers, science. those who took advantage of the and attraction of socialist ideas, peasants and soldiers of the It was the Soviet Union restoration of capitalism, is painful the growth of the international Tsarist empire opened the which led the heroic evidence of what happens when working class, and the striving of door to a new society in which military struggle to defeat counter-revolution succeeds. the vast majority of humanity for humanity’s dreams of peace, Hitler fascism on the Despite its so-called victory, social progress, a sustainable equality and democracy battlefield, creating the capitalism itself remains in environment, and peace. began to become reality. The conditions for the profound systemic crisis. The Not least, the Great October storming of the Winter Palace, emergence of other widening gap between rich and Socialist Revolution proved the signalled by the guns of the socialist states in Europe. poor, the endless wars and conflicts importance of creating the Aurora cruiser, began the The Soviet Union cham- spawned by imperialism, and the “revolutionary party of a new type” historical epoch of the pioned the cause of anti- environmental crisis which - solidly grounded in the working transition towards a socialist racism and decolonization, threatens human civilization, all class, and based on the ideology of society, based on cooperation gave crucial material and show that the private profit system, Marxism-Leninism and the and social justice, not the political support to libera- driven by personal and corporate principles of democratic cent- exploitation and oppression tion movements, and greed, cannot meet the ralism. At a time when working inherent in the profit-driven provided vital assistance fundamental needs and interests people increasingly reject both the capitalist system. to the former colonies as of the people and the global old-line capitalist parties and social The October Revolution they won their inde- environment. democratic opportunism, it is more was far more than a change in pendence. The changing As capitalism generates war, critical than ever to strengthen the government. It was a funda- international balance of austerity, and catastrophic climate revolutionary political parties mental social upheaval, a forces was a key factor in change, people everywhere are which can win the working class sharp break with thousands helping the peoples of yearning for freedom. Struggles for a genuine socialist alternative. of years of class-divided China, Korea, Vietnam against imperialist globalization Nothing can erase the societies. For the first time, and Cuba to carry out their have grown sharper, and in many accomplishments of Great the working class took lasting own socialist trans- countries, the working class is October. The Communist Party of political power, shattering the myth of the leading capitalist countries. formations. The USSR’s peace mounting fierce resistance against Canada will celebrate Great that only the owners of wealth can The Internationals were policy also restricted - though it the corporate drive for higher October for its great achievements, rule. inspired by the slogan “Workers could not entirely suppress - profits. The powerful example of for its historic lessons and for the Under the slogan “Peace, Land, of all lands, unite!” and by imperialism’s tendency to military Cuba’s socialist revolution unequalled inspiration it has Bread” and with the support of the revolutionaries such as Karl Marx aggression. continues to inspire workers, youth created for the future of humanity overwhelming majority of the and Friedrich Engels who declared The gains achieved by workers and oppressed peoples around the - a socialist future! working class and poor peasants, that the working class was the agent under socialism inspired the the Bolsheviks (the Russian Social of socialist revolution. The working class in the advanced Democratic Labour Party, which working class movement was capitalist countries, compelling the the Communist Party of the Soviet steeled by persecutions, and ruling class to concede reforms Union was then called) began the educated by the bloody vengeance around labour rights, the 40-hour long and complex effort to build a of the French and Prussian work week, unemployment new “system of civilized capitalists in 1871 against the Paris insurance, health care, public cooperators,” as the great Commune - the world’s first education, and pensions. The revolutionary Vladimir Lenin working class state. When progress toward economic and described the essence of socialism. opportunist leaders of the Second social equality by women in the The new Soviet government International backed their own USSR was a powerful stimulus to immediately issued its famous imperialist governments during the the struggles of women in the “decree on peace”, taking Russia First World War, the revolutionary capitalist countries for pay and out of the imperialist slaughter by sections of the working class employment equity, and for child the leading capitalist countries for movement, including Lenin and care and other social programs the re-division of wealth and the Bolsheviks, courageously which would weaken the patriar- colonial possession they had struggled against imperialist war. chal double burden of capitalist Upcoming events to honour the Centenary of plundered from the world’s Nearlyfifty years after the exploitation and unpaid domestic the Great October Socialist Revolution peoples. Land was transferred to Commune, the October Revolution labour. millions of impoverished peasants, gave a new impetus, content, and Ultimately, however, the first EDMONTON, AB and industrial, financial and other energy to the world revolutionary workers’ state was overturned and Sat., Nov. 4, doors 6:30 pm, tickets $25 / $15 capitalist companies were nation- movement. capitalism restored, due to a Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 11018-97 St. alized. Workers were guaranteed Great October holds a unique combination of interrelated employment. Education and health and honoured place in history, as internal and external circum- LONDON, ON care became universal and free. the first socialist revolution to stances and contradictions which Sat., Nov. 4, 8 pm, 470 Colborne St. Nations oppressed under the Tsarist achieve and retain political power, culminated in the temporary heel were guaranteed equality and withstanding both internal counter- victory of counter-revolution. NANAIMO, BC self-determination, including the revolution and foreign inter- The defeat of socialism in the right to secession. Patriarchal laws vention. It dramatically changed USSR became a powerful ideo- Saturday, Nov. 4, 5 pm were replaced by the full legal and world politics, breaking the logical weapon in the hands of PPWC Hall, 596 Albert St., potluck & music social emancipation of women. hegemony of imperialism, and monopoly capitalism. We cate- The imperialist countries, establishing a new and funda- gorically reject the bourgeois WINNIPEG, MB including Canada, sent armies to mentally different approach to contention that the causes of the Sunday, Nov. 5, 12:30 pm crush the young Soviet state while relations between peoples, nations crisis and defeat of the Soviet Ukrainian Labour Temple, 591 Pritchard Ave. the “baby was still in its cradle”, as and states. Union were rooted in the intrinsic Lunch, music & speakers Winston Churchill said. Surr- The October Revolution proved nature of socialism. Rather, that ounded by counter-revolutionary that socialism could become more historic setback resulted from the VICTORIA, BC forces and invading imperialist than a utopian ideal. The working extremely difficult conditions Tuesday, Nov. 7, 6 pm, 1415 Broad St. armies, the Soviet government and class and its allies could move under which socialism was built, the Red Army triumphed, with the beyond sporadic resistance to especially the destructive impact VANCOUVER, BC support of workers around the challenge the capitalist system as of decades of imperialist pressures Annual Revolution Banquet, Sat., Nov. 11, 5:30 pm world acting under the slogan a whole, and achieve social and subversion, and from “Hands off Russia!” The heroic emancipation. The exploited and distortions and departures from Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Ave. example of Soviet Russia inspired oppressed, through conscious and Marxist-Leninist theory and For tickets contact the CSE, 604-254-9836 working class struggles and united struggle, could shape their practice. insurrections throughout the world, own destiny. It was this truth about Whatever the failures and TORONTO, ON including the Winnipeg General the Russian Revolution that filled mistakes which occurred during "100 Years That Shook The World" Strike and the formation of the the privileged classes with a fear that first great experiment in Sat., Nov. 11, 6:30 pm, political/cultural celebration Communist Party of Canada in this and hatred of socialism, from the building a new, higher form of UJPO Winchevsky Centre, 585 Cranbrooke country. earliest days of the Soviet state. society, these do not detract from 7 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017 8 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017 Global class struggle
a larger sense: by fighting for and Catholic sector (13 per cent). 10. Macron has responded to these that workers got fair compensation. Coca-Cola vs. winning fair union contracts that The AEU has also highlighted demonstrations by saying, “We are requiring Jabil to send a labour rights drive up wages for all workers in that the national increase in “Democracy does not happen in comprehensive employee survey their community, union or not; by disability funding of around seven the streets.” to ascertain where gaps exist in Nearly twenty years after holding rich and powerful per cent falls drastically short of But the street and strikes are the payment and they must create an Indonesia freed itself from an corporations accountable through the total increase in students only places where French workers action plan that ensures all oppressive military dictatorship, pickets, boycotts, and strikes eligible for disability funding, have been able to gain traction employees are paid for the workers at the Indonesian against exploitive employers; and which has more than doubled from against the law, which was not promised bonus immediately,” operations of the Coca-Cola by standing up to Trump and his 212,000 to 470,000. expected from Macron who Apple said in a statement. company’s Australian-based political agenda to organize for “How can the Federal Govern- championed a more liberal The protest highlights the bottler Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) racial and gender equity at work ment concentrate a miserly funding platform as a candidate. complexity of overseeing global are still waiting for democratic and beyond, for all immigrants, all increase among wealthy private Some 3.5 million people are supply chains that can involve rights at the workplace. Workers races, and all religions. schools that are suddenly reporting currently out of work in France. hundreds of manufacturers and at Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia are On October 19, thousands of a big unexplained rise in their Macron has claimed the law will subcontractors, as well as third- organizing to form independent hospitality workers across the U.S. claimed numbers of children with give employers more incentives to party labour brokers — and their democratic unions. The company and Canada joined together in 40 a disability?” Haythorpe asked. hire workers if they can fire them subcontractors — tasked with has responded by systematically cities to take action. The union At the same time, public schools without financial risk. It is set to recruiting workers for those attacking their members and says workers are raising their voice across five states and territories go into effect in January 2018. factories. Companies differ in the elected leaders. for justice for all under Trump, will be hit with funding cuts for amount of responsibility they are CCA has reacted to the and holding the richest and most students with a disability. In willing to take on. Following a formation of independent unions powerful corporations in America addition, in just three out of eight Apple iPhone spate of negative reports about at two locations by terminating, accountable. Actions included jurisdictions will public schools workers protest worker suicides and injuries at forcefully transferring and strikes, the public announcement receive an increase in disability suppliers, the company began suspending union leaders Atra of new union organizing funding during the 2017-18 Hundreds of workers blocked publicly identifying top suppliers. Narwanto and Lutfi Ariyanto to campaigns, and other forms of academic year; meanwhile, an entrance to an Apple iPhone It also publishes annual audits prevent them carrying out their independent schools in six supplier’s factory in eastern China detailing labour and human rights roles as union presidents. jurisdictions will see an increase on Oct. 19, to protest unpaid performance throughout its global Members of the new, independent in such funding. bonuses and factory reassign- web of suppliers. unions are systematically “We need an explanation, and ments. Jabil Inc., which runs the harassed. When 150 workers at that may only come with an Green Point factory in Wuxi city, Iran solidarity the Surabaya plant signed a independent audit of what appears maintains that only 20 to 40 petition expressing their lack of to be a further gold-plating of the employees were actually In Iran, trade unionists are confidence in the Suharto-era private system at the expense of protesting and the rest were night- subjected to continued perse- worker organization which CCA children in public schools,” shift workers trying to enter the cution, and often jailed for their insists on imposing, they were Haythorpe concluded. factory, but vowed to take correct- activities. The Education Interna- pressured by management to ive action over the wage dispute. tional and the International withdraw their signatures. “As long as they can present Transport Workers’ Federation are CCA’s partner in repressing Paris rally hits evidence of promises by brokers concerned about the fate of Reza human rights is the SPSI-RTMM Macron law we will help them to get paid,” Shahabi and Esmail Abdi. (National Union of Tobacco, Food said a spokeswoman for U.S.- Reza Shahabi, treasurer of the and Beverage Employees of Thousands of protesters took to based Jabil. Syndicate of Workers of Tehran Indonesia), an organization workplace action where hospitality the streets of Paris on Oct. 19 to Other reports gave a different and Suburbs Bus Company, was descended from the vehicle created workers are organizing. Employers protest French President picture. “About 600 workers went under medical leave of absence by the Suharto dictatorship to that were targeted include Disney, Emmanuel Macron’s anti-labour protesting for failing to get their after suffering severe ill treatment prevent organizing. In Indonesia, Marriott, Caesars, Google (where law passed in early August. bonus,” said one worker. Like while indetention. He was denied Coca-Cola Amatil retains Suharto thousands of food service workers Waving flags with images of Che many of his colleagues, he was an extension to his medical leave era Collective Bargaining Agree- are employed by a subcontractor), Guevara and the General promised a bonus of up to 7,000 and is now back in prison, and his ments that are effectively top airline companies, and more. Confederation of Labor logos, yuan ($1,056) if he stayed for 45 detention was extended by 968 disciplinary codes to control and protesters demanded a repeal of days when he signed up for the job days as a result of his absence. manage the workforce. They date the reforms. through a labour broker. “It has Shahabi has joined a hunger strike from an era when questioning the Aussie teachers In a press release the CGT, already been over three months to protest against the detention actions of worker organizations challenge private along with the French Democratic but I still haven’t got the money,” conditions in Iranian prisons. appointed and sustained by the Federation of Workers, the he said. Esmail Abdi, a leader of the military was legally tantamount to school funding National Union Lyceenne, French A security guard at the factory Tehran Teacher Trade Association sedition. Confederation of Christian said a labour broker promised him sentenced to six years in jail on The IUF (International Union The Australian Education Workers, said, “Our citizens are 2,000 yuan ($302) if he stayed for bogus charges, was transferred to of Food Workers) has repeatedly Union has questioned the increasingly challenging these two months. “I didn’t get it at all,” hospital after a 38 day hunger brought these violations to the government’s decision to ordinances: 65 percent of them he said. He also said he saw strike, but was returned to Evin attention of Coca-Cola and CCA. considerably increase spending for reject them and 57 percent approve hundreds of workers protesting. Prison two days later. He was The abuses continue, in violation private schools based on their of the mobilizations against these Apple told the media that it was briefly released on bail in June, of internationally recognized enrolment numbers of disabled governmental projects.” investigating and pledged to ensure only to be rearrested on July 27. human rights instruments. Inde- students, while public schools are CGT spokesperson Fabrice pendent unions at Coca-Cola set to receive much less. The AEU Angei called Oct. 19 a “day of Amatil Indonesia are fighting to has received information of a action,” adding that “truckers Join the Communist defend the rights of all workers in Federal disability funding increase proved to us that these ordinances Indonesia who are standing up to of AUS $106.8 million across all could be defeated,” referring to Party of Canada schools during the 2017-18 defend human rights and secure the Sept. 25 truck driver strike that The Communist Party of Canada, formed in 1921, has a proud history of the country’s democratic future academic year, with Victorian blockaded up to eight fuel depots private schools set to receive AUS fighting for jobs, equality, peace, Canadian independence, and socialism. against the legacy of an authori- in northern France to protest the The CPC does much more than run candidates in elections. We think the $59.6 million, or 55.8 per cent. tarian past. The vestiges of lengthy law. Angel said the truck driver’s fight against big business and its parties is a year-round job, so our military rule remain firmly in place “The Federal Government’s actions led them to win an members are active across the country, to build our party and to help at CCA, which manufactures the own figures show that more than “allowances into the base salary.” strengthen people’s movements on a wide range of issues. All our policies widely recognized global brand. half the total funding increase for Workers are protesting and leadership are set democratically by our members. To find out more students with a disability goes to Macron’s law which gives more about Canada’s party of socialism, contact the nearest CPC office. Victorian independent schools,” negotiating power to employers, UNITE HERE said AEU Federal President rather than being bound to Central Committee CPC takez action Correna Haythorpe. She went on established industry-wide 290A Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON, M4K 1N6 to note that the figures raise agreements. Bosses can also 416-469-2446
By Larry Wasslen, Ottawa by the legislative body. were designated for geographic The two priorities of the illegal regions, including at least one seat On July 30, 2017 over 8 million National Assembly were to per municipality and two more for Venezuelans went to the polls to immediately remove Madurofrom each state capital. Eight seats were elect a national constituent office and release from prison guaranteed for indigenous peoples assembly (Asamblea Nacional several violent criminals, to be elected according to their Constituyente, ANC). The responsible for 43 deaths. Freddy traditions. A total of 173 seats working class of Venezuela Guevara, a member of the far- were allocated to sectoral groups, overwhelmingly supported the right Voluntad Popular, stated “we including workers groups (79), government’s effort to find a have to accelerate the exit of this peasants (8), fishers (8), students mechanism to break the con- government as soon as possible.” (24), pensioners (28), disabled (5), stitutional impasse, overcome In February 2016 the Assembly communal council members (24), capitalist economic crisis gripping passed a controversial amnesty law and business people (5). Clearly the country, and halt the cycle of to free several criminals involved the working class is heavily fascist violence responsible for at in the 2014 violence, including favoured within the 545 seat 2017- least 124 deaths and millions in Leopoldo Eduardo Lopez ANC. property damage. Mendoza, founder of Primero More than 6,000 candidates ran Peace or violence, democracy Jusicia, in clear violation of the for the various seats on the ANC. or repression, submission or Bolivarian Constitution. The Despite significant efforts to independence: calling for the Assembly made no effort to prevent voting, including physical 2017-ANC, President Maduro put address the capitalist economic attacks on those trying to cast their these questions to the people, crisis affecting the population. ballot, more than 8 million people placing sovereignty into their own Unable to overthrow the elected participated. The election of the hands. government by constitutional 2017-ANC has enabled the On July 18, the Trump regime maneuvers, the opposition government to take the initiative. threatened “strong and swift changed tactics to fascist violence The most important advances economic sanctions” should the and foreign intervention. The street include an immediate halt to the Maduro government proceed with violence known as ‘guarimbas’ street violence, the dismissal of the ANC. After the vote, Trump cost the lives of more than 120 Luisa Ortega from her position as threatened military intervention. persons with 1200 people injured Attorney General for ‘grave The Canadian government has between April and July of 2017. misconduct” including lying about been a virtual echo chamber for Foreign financed street violence her approval of Supreme Court Washington. Foreign Affairs caused millions of dollars damage The “We Are All Venezuela” solidarity conference heard from a Justices, calls for revamping the Minister Chrystia Freeland has to public and private property in number of Venezuelan leaders, including Aloha Nunez, the economy, and new anti-hate “serious concerns” about the Caracas. Some people of colour former Minister of Popular Power of Indigenous Peoples. Nunez legislation. process and stated that the ANC became victims because they is from the Wayu nation, and in July was one of the members The 2017-ANC is a major step was “contrary to Venezuela’s “appeared to be Chavistas”. They elected by Indigenous communities to the Constituent Assembly. forward in the struggle for national constitution.” Mainstream media were doused with gasoline and set independence and sovereignty, outlets from the CBC to the alight. Members of the Security Power, such as the Communes, in a minority of society.” against violence and war. It opens Washington Post have relentlessly Forces were attacked with Molotov Communal Councils, and the Youth “Enshrine the rights of the door to more political and repeated these accusations and cocktails and small arms fire. On Workers Councils” youth…free and conscious use of economic democracy. It will allow warned that the ANC is just another the international stage the USA Sovereignty “The defense of information technologies, the right the government to address many step towards dictatorship. used the Organization of American sovereignty and integrity of the to a dignified and creativity- of the problems facing Venezuela, Seriously lacking in the States (OAS) as a forum to nation and the protection against liberating job including the economic crisis. But capitalist press is a thoughtful facilitate direct intervention in foreign interventionism” and “the Biodiversity “The sovereign the privileged classes will not discussion of what led to the 2017- Venezuelan affairs. Secretary promotion of the consolidation of rights to protect our biodiversity accept the democratically elected ANC, the actual struggles that have General Luis Amagro attempted a multi-polar and multi-centric and the development of an ANC, just as they have never taken place in Venezuela over the to invoke the ‘Democratic Charter’ world that ensures respect for law ecological culture in our society.” accepted the democratically past two decades, the Bolivarian against Venezuela. The move and international security.’ Curiously the opposition had elected Presidents Chavez and constitution, and the aims and failed when the Permanent Council Multicultural character of the demanded a constituent assembly Maduro. The struggle continues. objectives of the 2017 ANC. of the OAS issued a statement in Homeland “enabling us to recog- to try and oust Maduro, but when (The author was a delegate to Hugo Chavez swept into power support of dialogue. nize each other as Venezuelans in the call went out for its convo- the “Todos Somos Venezuela-We in the December 1998 election 2017-ANC our ethnical and cultural diversity” cation, the MUD boycotted. Are All Venezuela” international with the explicit objective of Venezuela needed to find a way “inoculating us from social and The make-up of the 2017-ANC solidarity conference held Sept. building a new Venezuela out of through the constitutional impasse racial hatred that is today incubated is extremely interesting. 364 seats 16-19, 2017, in Caracas.) the shambles of the Fourth and to respond to the capitalist Republic, a time during which economic crisis, the fascist more than 11,000 political violence and the direct threats of disappearances occurred. foreign intervention. President Chavistas win 18 of 23 state elections The electoral success of the Maduro turned to Article 348 of Bogota, Oct. 19, 2017 (venez- on Oct. 23, four of the five were established in the constitution and ‘dictatorial’ Bolivarian Revolution the Bolivarian Constitution. On uelanalysis.com) - Eighteen state sworn in as required. the laws of the republic”, reads an is impressive. Of the 21 elections, May 1, he issued Decree 2830, governors elected for the pro- On July 30, over 41% of official communication released the revolutionary forces have won calling for a National Constituent government Chavista coalition Venezuela’s electorate turned out by the Roundtable of Democratic 19, including four presidential Assembly, based upon the con- known as the Great Patriotic Pole to elect representatives to the Unity coalition (MUD). “For this elections: in 1998 Chavez won stituent popular process. Far from (GPP) were sworn in before the assembly, however, the vote was reason, they will swear in only 56.2% of the popular vote; 2000: being a dictator, President Maduro National Constituent Assembly boycotted by the opposition. They before God and respective 59.8%; 2006: 62.8%; 2012: turned to the people of Venezuela, (ANC) on October 18. refused to participate, opting to legislative councils, not before the 55.1%. Nicolas Maduro won the placing power into their hands. The ceremony was officiated continue with a campaign of street fraudulent Constituent Assembly,” 2013 election with 50.6% of the Maduro suggested nine by ANC President Delcy protests demanding early presi- it continues. popular vote after the death of programmatic objectives: Rodriguez and attended by dential elections. They have also But both the Tachira legislative Chavez. The Polo Patriotico led Peace: “The constituent process National Electoral Council (CNE) claimed that Sunday’s elections council and the secretary for by the PSUV has won three of the is a great call for a nation-wide President Tibisay Lucena, who were marred by fraud, but have Zulia’s state government urged four National Assembly elections dialogue to contain the escalation praised Venezuela’s democratic presented no proof of vote newly-elected opposition govern- since 1999. President Chavez of political violence” system. tampering to date. ors to swear in before the body. narrowly lost a referendum Economy “The perfection of the “The strength of the Venezuelan The ANC is the most important They warned that their refusal regarding constitutional reform in national economic system moving electoral system… allowed us to decision-making body in Vene- could lead to a repeat of regional 2007 and President Maduro lost towards a Venezuelan Power by successfully handle the electoral zuela’s constitution and has the elections in their respective states the National Assembly election of conceiving the new post- process on October 15,” said authority to supervise all branches within the next thirty days. 2015. petroleum, mixed, productive, Lucena. “The whole country won of government. Delegates are now The elected opposition state In the 2015 election, the diversified and integrating through this electoral process, process of redrafting Venezuela’s governor for Nueva Esparta, opposition Democratic Unity economic model” which was carried out in calm.” 1999 constitution. Alfredo Díaz, had also publicly Roundtable (MUD) won 109 of Missions “To enshrine the Venezuelans took to the polls Both the ANC presidency and confirmed that he will petition the the 164 deputies. There was video Missions and Grand Socialist on Oct. 15 to choose twenty-three Venezuelan President Nicolas MUD leadership to re-think its evidence of electoral fraud and Missions in the Constitution” state governors. Sixty-one percent Maduro confirmed prior to the Oct. position. vote buying on the part of the Judicial System “The broadening of the electorate turned out to vote 15 elections that new state “If the only alternative available opposition in southwestern of the responsibilities of the in the elections, delivering a governors would be obliged to to us so we don’t have to hand over Amazonas state, and the Judicial System to eradicate landslide victory to the ruling assume their positions before the the spaces we have won through Venezuelan Supreme Court criminal impunity, particularly United Socialist Party of constituent assembly. the vote is to swear in before the temporarily suspended the regarding crimes committed Venezuela which won eighteen “The Roundtable of Democratic ANC so they don’t arbitrarily take deputies and launched an official against the people” states — largely due to abstention Unity, given the blackmail of the away our spaces, then we should investigation. Henry Ramos Allup, Democracy “To enshrine in the by opposition voters. fraudulent Constituent Assembly, do it, and I will ask them [MUD the president of the National Constitution the new forms of Initially, the opposition had reiterates before the people of leadership] to accompany us,” he Assembly, ignored the ruling and participatory and protagonist refused to swear in its five elected Venezuela and the international said. “It is about nodding our heads, swore in the members, leading the democracy through the recognition state governors before the ANC, community that elected governors not handing ourselves over,” he Court to nullify all actions taken of the new subjects of the People’s which they say is illegitimate. But will only submit to the mandate concluded. 10 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017
Warrior, one life many battles
Film review by Karl Stratton there. His old apartment. Deep was kidnapped and brutally snow. Peace. But also sadness. murdered. He was snatched right By Wally Brooker Guerrero, Una Vida, Muchas We meet his old school friend. outside Manuel’s school where he Batallas (Warrior, One Life Many Also a Chilean refugee. His parents had been visiting in his job as the Celebrating the October Revolution Battles) is a beautifully crafted continue to work for the liberation Inspector of Schools. At that movie which covers the life of of Chile. moment he took up his father’s While many readers of People’s Voice will observe the 100th Manuel Guerrero Ceballos and his The cinematography is superbly fight. Calm and articulate beyond anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution at official son, also called Manuel (Guerrero realised by Moreno and David his years he gave a public speech. commemorations across Canada this month, it’s also a good time to Antequera). Manuel Guerrero was Bravo. There is a beautiful piece Quoting Brecht and promising to explore the cultural achievements of the revolution, including its the head of the Teacher’s Union in where Manuel revisits Moscow continue his father’s work for the music. Older readers may have treasured vinyl recordings to spin on Chile under Pinochet. Along with where he went with his father. For freedom and rights of all. He their turntables, but not all comrades can enjoy that particular Santiago Nattino, a painter and his father the visit was a pivotal became a leader of the students frisson. Fortunately, a cornucopia of Soviet-era music is available supporter of the union and Jose moment in his political commit- and youth and was able to work free-of-charge on YouTube. For starters, I would recommend two Manuel Parades, a human rights ment. It invigorated him. It was publicly for a few years until he Red Army Choir collections. Search for “One Hour of Music - Soviet worker of the Catholic church had to go into hiding and eventually Communist Music”, for an inspiring album of songs by the world- organisation Vicaria De La exile again. He dedicated himself famous choir, including The Anthem of the USSR, The Sacred War, Solidaridad, Manuel Guerrero was to becoming a Superman to get the and The Partisans Song. For two-hours of the same ensemble, look murdered. Under a dictatorship vengeance and justice for his father for “The Red Army Choir: The Definitive Collection”, where, in notorious for its cruelty, these and so many others. addition to patriotic and fighting anthems, there are glorious renditions men were murdered in what He trained physically and of old Russian folk songs (The Song of the Volga Boatmen, Dark became known as Caso Dego- mentally to one day be in a position Eyes), internationalist songs (Italian partisan song Bella Ciao), and llados (Slit-throat Case). It shocked to kill Pinochet. His deep rage and Moscow Nights, the world-wide Soviet hit from the mid-fifties. For the nation mobilising thousands grief driving him. But several years an hour of songs about the Great Patriotic War, look for “Best Soviet who had until then been silent. later seeing the look of horror on Music of the 1940-1950s”. It includes one of the most famous songs The director is Sebastian his friend’s faceswhen describing of the war, The Dark Night, from the 1943 movie “Two Soldiers”, Moreno. He very adeptly takes us how easy it can be to kill someone performed by the Soviet actor and singer Mark Bernes. It’s on a journey seen through the eyes that he realised he couldn’t do it. accompanied by dramatic wartime film clips. For a charming look at of the young Manuel on his journey He remembered his father and his popular music in the hopeful 60s check out “Best Soviet Music of the to becoming the man he is now. real life Super Hero Yuri Gagarin, 1960s” - ninety minutes of popular songs, with clips from The story is narrated in the first who despite all his greatness and contemporary Soviet films. If the thought of Soviet funk music person by Manuel, spoken in the achievements the best thing about makes you cringe, you might reconsider after listening to the Manuel Guerrero Ceballos present and in the past. The pace is them both was their great love and delightful small combo funk-inspired 70s jazz of “Soviet Funk rhythmic and we touch on the the place where it all started. Where kindness and humanity. So Manuel Volume One, Side A & Side B”. Beyond the 70s, however, it’s not important places and people on Recabarren was inspired to create became a super man instead. It so easy to find great Soviet popular music. So, if you wish to this journey. the party. Where Lenin and the took a long and painful journey to celebrate the October Revolution, avoid “Best Soviet Music of the The movie opens with images Bolsheviks ruled. For the younger get to that point as we see as we 1980s” collections! Lovers of classical music can celebrate the of a young Manuel happy with his Manuel it was the place of a real journey with him. October Revolution by feasting on outstanding composers like loving parents in the hopeful days life Superman Yuri Gagarin. Do see this film if you get the Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953), Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978), of Allende’s Chile. Like many Due to the pressures of exile on opportunity. It is beautifully and Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975). Search for “Sergei Prokofiev Chileans his parents were active in the family, Manuel’s mother ended filmed. An inner and outer journey - Cantata for the 20th Anniversary of the October Revolution” and the Communist Youth forging a up leaving, taking the children to of the soul. A story of loss of exile you’ll find an excellent performance of this work by the London new and better world for all. Then live for a time in Barcelona. and unimaginable pain. Be enraged Symphony Orchestra. It carries English subtitles, and has dramatic came the US backed coup and his Though the marriage was over the by the injustice. Feel the sadness passages from historic speeches of Lenin. Other memorable works father was kidnapped. A nation in family was reunited again in Chile and the small joys within this by Prokofiev to look for include his scores for the Sergei Eisenstein shock. Fear. People in hiding. when they joined his father who movie. And when it is over go out films Alexander Nevsky and Ivan the Terrible, and his ever-popular Thousands missing. Thousands had returned in 1982. Manuel’s and change the world in big and children’s classic Peter and the Wolf. Khachaturian was renowned tortured and murdered. For many father knew he was in danger if he small ways. Unite with others to for his ballet music. Look for the Bolshoi Ballet’s brilliant performance months no one knew where his returned. He told his son “No do the same. As we journey with of his Spartacus (1954), featuring the lovely Adagio of Spartacus father was. Eventually Manuel was matter what happens to me do not Manuel through this movie, his and Phrygia. His 1942 dramatic ballet Gayane, set in Soviet Armenia, found and they all found refuge in blame the Party” life, what he learned from his features the unforgettable Sabre Dance. Hungary. We see his old school Manuel was 14 when his father experiences teach us how. Lastly, there is Shostakovich, composer of some of the most beautiful orchestral music of the twentieth century. Listen, for example, to his lovely Romance, from the Get the “Korea Crisis” straight 1955 Soviet film The Gadfly. Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony the US were to attack the DPRK it Defense (THAAD) battery in (“Leningrad”), completed in the midst of Editorial from The Nazi Germany’s 900-day siege of Guardian, newspaper of the would do so from its huge military South Korea, a US radar system base on Guam, so the DPRK has opposed by the Korean people, in Leningrad, is still regarded as the major Communist Party of musical testament of the estimated 25 Australia made the US aware that its missiles the north and south, as well as can now reach as far as Guam. China. million Soviet citizens who lost their lives The “Korean Crisis” has been This has of course been seized on Every year, the US carries out in what Russians still call the Great manufactured by the United States as “evidence” of the DPRK’s massive war exercises in and Patriotic War. Dmitri Shostakovich which has engaged in provocations “plans for aggression”. around the Korean peninsula. This against the DPRK (North Korea) The present disinformation year’s exercises, Operation Key Robertson honoured by Six Nations for decades (ever since the end of campaign regarding the DPRK is Resolve/Foal Eagle, which began WW2, in fact). It almost destroyed a lie: the threat of war in the region in March and continued until April Robbie Robertson, the guitarist, songwriter, film composer, producer, the country in the Korean War, comes not from the DPRK but 24, involved hundreds of author, and actor, who rose to world-wide fame with the rock group part of the USA’s attempt to “roll from the US. In other words, one thousands of troops from the US known as The Band, was honoured on October 14 by the Six Nations back Communism” in the 1950s, side is to blame: If the US stopped and South Korea. of the Grand River. The Lifetime Achievement Award, the first ever and has subjected North Korea to threatening the nuclear destruction It is a fact of history that granted by the Six Nations, was presented at a ceremony in Ohsweken, a diplomatic and economic of North Korea, as President documents captured in the Korean Ontario, on the reserve where Robertson, now 74, spent much of his blockade ever since. Trump did at the UN, the DPRK War revealed the US planned an childhood. Robbie Robertson was born toRosemary Chrysler, a Every year the US conducts leadership would cease “threat- attack on North Korea in 1950. Mohawk from the Six Nations reservation near Hagersville, Ontario. huge military exercises in South ening” to defend itself with The attack was carried out using Chrysler came to Toronto in the early 40s and lived with an aunt in Korea blatantly rehearsing the nuclear-armed missiles. We American and South Koreanforces the city’s working-class Cabbagetown neighborhood. She worked at invasion and destruction of the demand that the US stop aggra- with the assistance of Japanese a jewelry plating factory. Robertson’s biological father was Alexander North. In the face of this clear vating tension in the region by Army officers who had invaded Klegerman, a professional gambler who was killed while Robbie threat, it is not surprising that the threatening to destroy the DPRK, and occupied Korea decades was still an infant. His mother subsequently married co-worker leadership of the DPRK has sought and by holding war games rehear- before. The North Korean defence James Patrick Robertson. At age 16, Robertson was a professional some security by developing its sing that destruction. We also and counter-attack was then musician, playing lead guitar on Yonge Street with rocker Ronnie own nuclear weapons and the demand that the Australian claimed by the US to be Hawkins, and building the singer’s backup band, The Hawks. The missiles with which to deliver government stop encouraging the “aggression” which the United rest is history, as they say. The Hawks became famous through their them. The US has responded with US to pursue an aggressive line as States manipulated in the media to work with Bob Dylan, and ultimately, as that peerless rock outfit, a disinformation campaign that Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has get the UN to support a “police The Band. After The Band’s farewell concert in 1976, Robertson claims the DPRK is a “rogue state”, done and continues to do. operation”, the euphemism they created music for films, including American director Martin that its leaders are deranged and US troops have occupied south chose to use to carry on what was Scorsese’s Raging Bull, King of Comedy, and The Color of Money. that it threatens an unprovoked Korea since 1945; 28,500 are still in fact their war of aggression Robertson has released five solo albums, including two influential attack on the US. there. There are 38 US military against North Korea. Three years albums that address his indigenous roots: Music for the Native In fact, all the DPRK has done installations in South Korea, plus of war and 3.5 million Korean Americans (1994), and Contact From the Underworld of Red Boy is to warn the US that if it is attacked one militarized golf course. The deaths followed and the US has (1998). In 2016, he released his autobiography, Testimony. For it will defend itself, something golf course is the station for the threatened them with imminent war more info: http://robbie-robertson.com. every country has the right to do. If first Terminal High-Altitude Area and annihilation ever since. 11 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017 World Festival of Youth and What'sWhat's LeftLeft Students draws 25,000 Nanaimo, BC Edmonton, AB Great October Revolution Great October Revolution More than 25,000 people from current than ever. the imposition of blockades in 188 countries took part in the 19th He drew attention to the young Latin America, such as that of the Celebration, Sat., Nov. 4, 5 Celebration, Sat., Nov. 4, World Festival of Youth and people willing to give their lives US against Cuba, and the pm, PPWC Hall, 596 Albert St., Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 11018-97 St., doors 6:30 pm, Students (WFYS) in Sochi, Russia for social justice in different parts destabilization of governments, Vancouver, BC in mid-October, according to of the world, and those who perish which Washington is now dinner 7 pm, program 8 pm. organizers. Many of the delegates in defense of just causes. He was attempting to do with Venezuela. Left Film Night, “Ten Days Tickets $25/$15. That Shook The World,” Sergei also visited other regions of Russia. referring to the assassination of The peoples of Africa still suffer Winnipeg, MB The Festival theme was “For Argentine Santiago Maldonado, a from colonialism, extreme poverty Eisenstein’s film, Sunday, Oct. peace, solidarity and social justice, young defender of the rights of the and racism, and the occupation by 29, 7 pm, at the CSE, 706 Clark Great October Revolution we struggle against imperialism. Mapuche Indian community. Morocco of the territory of the Drive, ph. 604-255-2041 for Celebration, Sunday, Nov. 5, Honoring our past, we build the The final statement stresses that Saharawi people remains a clear info. 12:30 pm,Ukrainian Labour future!” The Festivals have been the festival movement retains its case of colonialism, says the Annual Revolution Banquet, Temple, 591 Pritchard Ave. jointly organized since 1947 by anti-imperialist, anti-fascist, and statement. Saturday, Nov. 11, doors open Lunch, music & speakers. the World Federation of anti-colonialist character. The 19th Papademetriou pointed out that 5:30 pm, Russian Hall, 600 Democratic Youth and the WFYS was dedicated to the late the festival rejects wars and Campbell Ave. Guest speaker Toronto, ON International Union of Students. Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel unemployment, and supports the Ben Isitt with slide show on the 100 Years That Shook The The president of the World Castro. independence, sovereignty and failed Canadian military World, political/cultural cele- Federation of Democratic Youth Papademetriou called to reject justice of peoples, at a time when intervention against the bration of Great October, Sat., (WFDY), Nikolus Papademetriou the NATO alliance and other a handful of wealthy people control Bolsheviks. For tickets and Nov. 11, 6:30 pm, Winchevsky of Cyprus, read the final statement Western military blocs, and urged 50 percent of all their wealth in the details, call the Centre for Centre, 585 Cranbrooke, for of the Festival, which expressed a the progressive youth of NATO world. Socialist Education, 604-254- info call 416-469-2446 clear rejection of the US policy of countries to dismantle the militarist The final statement was also 9836. Conference on the centenary aggressions and invasions. structure from within. read by Aleida Guevara, daughter of Great October Socialist Papademetriou highlighted the The final statement condemned of Ernesto Ché Guevara, and Victoria, BC Revolution, weekend of Nov. centenary of the Great October the provocation of sectarian forensic doctor Jorge González Great October Revolution 18-19, hosted in Toronto with Socialist Revolution of 1917, conflict which has inflicted so Pérez, who directed the search for celebration, Tuesday, Nov. 7, online participation across which accelerated the collapse of much damage on the Syrian people, the remains of the Heroic Guerrilla, 6 pm, at the Victoria Event Canada. See page 2 for details. the colonial system and was a boost calling this part of a foreign agenda among other leaders of Cuba and Centre, 1415 Broad St. For info on how to participate, for new social struggles across the for the redistribution of water and the world. Speakers, drinks, music, call the Communist Party of world. A hundred years after the other wealth, as well as Israeli A detailed report from the th sponsored by Victoria CPC & Canada, 416-469-2446. triumph of the Revolution in aggression against the people of Canadian delegation to the 19 YCL, and others. Russia, said the WFDY leader, the Palestine. WFYS will appear in our next London, ON anti-imperialist fight is more The statement also condemns issue. Great October Revolution Celebrate 100 years Celebration, Sat., Nov. 4, 8 of Great October! pm, London Music Club, 470 Colborne St. potluck & music. People's Voice deadlines
November 16-30 issue: Thursday, Nov. 2 December 1-31 issue: Thursday, Nov. 23 Send submissions to PV Editorial Office, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, V5L 3J1 Socialist and anti-imperialist spirit in Caracas
By Nino Pagliccia system that creates wars, inequality above all, protagonist and poverty. Capitalism cannot [democracy]). This concept that Security cops raid KPU The international meeting give benefits or happiness.” views all Venezuelans as authors “Todos Somos Venezuela” that The renowned academic Sonia and builders of democracy is celebration of GOSR took place in Caracas on Gupta praised Venezuela for the embedded in the preamble of the September 16-19 still reverberates “creation of a new value system 1999 Constitution of Venezuela. Ukrainian secret service police raided a Communist Party office in in the minds of many of us who and a new model of democracy” to But perhaps Maduro’s the south-east on Oct. 21 after a celebration of the Russian Revolution had the privilege to attend. replace the “worn out model” of statement, addressing a crowd of centenary. The timing of the meeting was the capitalist system. Venezuelans in front of the The Communist Party of Ukraine (KPU) said in a statement that the well planned to impress on the The delegate for the Popular Presidential Office of Miraflores, SBU security service searched its Oleshky office in Kherson oblast participants the importance of Front for Liberation of Palestine following a large anti-imperialist without a warrant. It said agents claimed that the party was banned under solidarity actions, particularly received a standing ovation when march, contains the essence of what the so-called decommunisation laws — which the KPU is challenging before the Oct. 15 elections for he said, referring to the imperialist may still be a process under in court — and seized party flags, communist symbols, posters and other governors of the 23 Venezuelan United States government, “You construction in the Venezuelan materials. States. The Bolivarian Revolution can assassinate our families, destroy context. “Socialism is a patrimony “The KPU is not banned,” the statement asserted. and Chavismo have a reason to our homes, schools or perhaps all that comes from the original people, The party said the real aim was to halt a video feed from a KPU celebrate a great victory with 18 our towns, but you will never from the history of Venezuelan meeting in Kiev celebrating the 1917 revolution, “thanks to which the governorships in the hands of the undermine our willingness to fight!: fighters that struggled for freedom state of Ukraine and the Ukrainian nation itself was created.” government party in those In fact, I heard repeatedly the and continues rebelling to KPU leader Petro Symonenko said the revolution gave the communist elections. reference to “Bolivarian social- domination,” Maduro said. movement “flesh and blood as a real historical alternative, as a politically However, the greatest winner ism”. There was never a formal All of us in the crowd cheered organised path to a new humanistic world.” of the elections of October 15 was definition of the term and I will not those words and his acknow- socialism and the anti-imperialist attempt to define it here. In context, ledgement of the upcoming spirit dominant in Venezuela. It is I took that to be a proud affirmation centenary celebration of the Bill 148 slammed by CUPW... precisely that spirit that we of the revolutionary struggle that October Revolution. He also witnessed in Caracas. In fact, this Chavismo has embarked on and is recognized Vladimir Lenin, leader (continued from page 3) ... provision. We are also very concerned was the underlying thread of the committed to continue. of first socialist revolution. by on-going employer efforts to further weaken the language on job meeting. Together with self- Hugo Chavez referred to it as Venezuela appears to be intent definition in order to be able to evade their equal pay responsibilities. determination and sovereignty, “socialism of the 21st century”, a on building its own brand of “Our members know that unionization is critical to ensuring truly fair Venezuelans, as well as renewed vision of classic socialism socialism – Bolivariansocialism – workplaces. Bill 148 improves access to unionization for Ontario international delegates, expressed prevalent in the 20th century, and a with its own characteristics based workers, but further steps are still needed to provide greater access to openly socialist, anti-capitalist and projection into a new conception on its past revolutions of employee information and to remove undue restrictions on workers’ anti-imperialist sentiments. of a society where the people are independence and heroes, people’s right to unionize when lists are provided. We urge you to remove Former foreign minister and the recipient of the social gains but aspirations and needs, defiance to exceptions for agricultural, horticultural and domestic workers that current president of the National at the same time they are the the current colonial empire, and deny vital protections to some of the most vulnerableworkers. Card Constituent Assembly, Delcy protagonists of the social with a good doses of 20th century check certification needs to be extended to all sectors and workers also Rodriguez, said that the US Empire organization. Marxism. need quicker access to first contract arbitration. Succession rights need was a serious threat to international Chávez himself said, “El With that spirit in the air at the to be improved to ensure companies cannot flip contracts in order to security. “We have a right to have socialismo es la democracia Caracas meeting, without doubt drive down wages and working conditions and thwart collective efforts the political and economic model participativa y sobre todo la we proudly felt “We are all by workers. Finally, the legislation should prohibit the hiring of we want.” She also stated, protagónica” (Socialism is Venezuela”. I felt doubly proud as replacement workers, which undermines a union’s fundamental right to “Capitalism is without a doubt a participatory democracy and a Venezuelan and as a socialist. fair bargaining.” genocide-crimes-against- humanity-in-north-korea
12 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • NOVEMBER 1-15, 2017 The October Revolution’s impact on labour and politics in Canada
By Darrell Rankin spokesmen mouth much about Self- determination while using every The 100th anniversary of means at its disposal to undermine Russia’s socialist revolution is on and handicap the Soviet November 7, 2017. The profound Administration in Russia? The impact of this revolution on working class is bewildered by these Canada is forgotten by most contradictions. While workers are people, and deliberately omitted inclined instinctively to support the from official histories and the social revolution which is education system. developing so mightily, The socialist revolution nevertheless they tend to hesitate animated the politics of the 1919 after reading the poisonous Winnipeg General Strike and about propaganda of the Allied 30 related sympathetic strikes governments. This unceasing across Canada. Western Canadian campaign of calumny can have but trade unionists at a well- one purpose; namely, to win represented meeting in March working -class support for the 1919 sent greetings to Lenin and decision of the capitalist class to accepted the dictatorship (rule) of throttle the socialist republics of workers as sufficient to transform Russia and Germany. Hesitation capitalist to “communal wealth”. on our part would be fatal! When the Borden Conservative “The aspirations of organized government ordered troops to Labor as embodied in the preamble board ships and crush Russia’s to the Alberta Federation of Labor Soviet republic, some of the troops On May 26, 1919, the front page of this Edmonton newspaper reported on a general Constitution; namely “the social protested in Victoria. strike in Alberta's capital in solidarity with the Winnipeg General Strike. ownership and control of the means A month after the Winnipeg of production, transportation, and General Strike, Mackenzie King distribution,” are now taking promised free medicare at the Liberal Be it Resolved that this “The Credentials Committee horrors of twentieth century material shape under the Soviet convention where he was elected Conference places itself on record reported official representatives wholesale slaughter, owe a deep Administration. We are challenged: leader. Across Canada, women won as being in full accord and sympathy present from almost every local debt of gratitude to those splendid either to renounce our principles, the right to vote in federal elections with the aims and purposes of the union in Western Canada... The Russian revolutionists. Millions of or to take such action as will save (with the exceptions of indigenous Russian Bolshevik and German British Columbia Federation of soldiers on the battle fronts of them from becoming meaningless women and those of Chinese, Spartacan revolutions and, Labor and the Alberta Federation Europe owe their lives to the phrases. Therefore be it Japanese and Indian origin, who Be it further Resolved; that this of Labor were each represented by glorious victory of the Russian “RESOLVED, that this convention won the right to vote decades later). Conference declares its full their executive officers as were... working people. Are we prepared of the Alberta Federation of Labor The revolution inspired the acceptance or the principle of all the central labor councils to repay that debt by extending to places itself on record as being in founding of the Communist Party “Proletarian Dictatorship” as being between the Great Lakes and the Russia the hand of fellowship in full accord and sympathy with the of Canada in 1921. absolute and efficient for the Pacific Ocean. With 239 fully such a manner as will frustrate the aims and purposes of the Russian Here is the text of the resolution transformation of capitalist private accredited delegates it was nefarious designs of the organized and German socialist revolutions, submitted by Jack Kavanagh, chair property into communal wealth, unquestionably the most international capitalists? and be it further of the Resolutions Committee of and that fraternal greetings be sent representative gathering... of trade Throughout the long years of this “RESOLVED, that this convention the Western Labor Conference in to the Russian Soviet Government, unionists west of theLakes that brutal blood-fest it has been gives the incoming executive Calgary on March 13, 1919: the Spartacist League of Germany, had ever been held up to that time.” unceasingly proclaimed, from officers full power to call a and to all definite working class The conference also adopted Press, Pulpit, and Platform, that province-wide general strike movements in Europe; recognizing resolutions to support forming ‘we must crush German despotism should the Allied powers persist that they have won first place in industrial unions and for a and make the world safe for in their attempt to over-throw the the class struggle. referendum on a general strike to democracy.’ Millions of men heard Soviet administration in Russia or Tim Buck writes: “The reso- demand free speech and remove that slogan and believed it and today Germany or in any country in which lution was adopted unanimously restrictions on working class are rotting beneath the battlefields a Soviet form of government is or and the thoroughly aroused organizations. of France and Flanders. Have those may be established and be it further delegates climaxed their demon- Buck’s books also record the men been betrayed? If not, why are “RESOLVED, that this resolution stration of solidarity with a motion, text of a resolution adopted those who are chiefly responsible be forwarded to the Western Labor offered spontaneously by a unanimously a month earlier at the for the overthrow of the German Conference, to be held in Calgary, delegate in the body of the hall, Alberta Federation of Labour: Junker ruling class being vilified for endorsation and co-operation that the conference send a “Trade Union Support to the by our government-controlled in the carrying it into effect, and be cablegram directly to Lenin, Russian Revolution Press? Why are the governments of it further expressing their warm fraternal “WHEREAS: The war between The Allied Nations supporting “RESOLVED, that Copies of this greetings to him personally. The opposed imperialist interests has counter-revolutionary armies in resolution be sent to all Central Labor delegates stood up as one man and ceased; the suddenness of its Russia? Why do our government’s bodies throughout Canada.” cheered, when the motion was collapse being due to the Social declared “carried unanimously.”” Revolution which, starting in The Tim Buck quotes in this “(The delegates) adopted a Russia, gradually found its way "A party of a new type" article are from Canada and strongly-worded telegram calling into Austria-Hungry and Germany. The Great October Socialist Revolution, and the actions of 19 imperialist the Russian Revolution (1967) upon the federal government to Those who where expecting at any states to intervene in Russia to smash it, had a galvanizing impact on and Forty Years of Great Withdraw the Canadian Troops moment to be called upon to don organized Canadian workers. Combined with growing post-war Change, 1917-1957 (1959) From Soviet Russia...” the khaki and face the ghastly unemployment and misery, working class struggles from Vancouver Island to Nova Scotia erupted, most notably the famous Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. At this critical juncture, many radicalized workers began to see the necessity of combining economic struggle with NEWS FOR PEOPLE, political and ideological struggle. As Tim Buck noted in Canada and the Russian Revolution: In these circumstances, it was inevitable that NOT FOR PROFITS! discussions would spring up among the workers around the question “What is next, where do we go from here?”The answer came in a Every issue of PEOPLE’S VOICE growing call to form a party of a new type, based on scientific socialism gives you the latest on the people’s and working class internationalism, a party which fights for reforms, but fightback from coast to coast. rejects reformism as a substitute for socialist revolution. In late May of Whether it’s the fightback against 1921, such a party was founded at a convention held under conditions neoliberalism and austerity, of illegality in a barn on the outskirts of Guelph, Ontario. The Communist solidarity with Cuba or workers’ Party of Canada, and its legal sister party, the Workers’ Party of Canada, VVOICOICEE adopted a revolutionary program and party constitution, launched the struggles around the world, we’ve $30 for 1 year $50 for 2 years Party press, and immediately set about organizing workers. got the news the corporate media Low income special rate: $15 for 1 year (www.communist-party.ca) won’t print. Outside Canada: $45 US or $50 Cnd for 1 year And we do more than that–we Name ______REDS ON THE WEB report and analyze events from a revolutionary perspective, helping Address ______www.communist-party.ca to build the movements for justice www.peoplesvoice.ca ______Postal Code______and equality, and eventually for a www.ycl-ljc.ca socialist Canada. Read the paper Send to: People’s Voice, that fights for working people–on 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 rebelyouth-magazine.blogspot.com every page—in every issue! 447-18/2017 http://solidnet.org