2005-11-17,+Textiles+and+China,+Ronald+Press

= Textiles and China =


 * 16th October 2005

By Ronald Press One time General Secretary of the S.A.Textile Workers Union**

The history of the textile workers in South Africa teaches us that the only way to bring pressure on the bosses to pay near decent wages is for workers, in Jo’burg, Durban, Capetown and elsewhere, for workers black and white to combine into one Trade Union. Only thus was it even possible for workers throughout the country to have some uniformity in wages and conditions.

We soon realised that this was not enough and we had to form links with the textile workers internationally. This was even more difficult. During the liberation struggle we had the support of the International Textile Workers, and now from the International Textile Garment and Leather Workers federation. The recent meeting of textile workers in Africa is a step in the right direction.

But this is not enough. We need to confront the even harder task of bringing the Chinese workers into to struggle. This is daunting but essential. To expect the bosses and the Governments, which do the bosses’s bidding, to assist us, let alone do it is pie in the sky.

All the international trade agreements, protocols and actions are instituted and monitored by the bosses’ representatives. The African bosses will in the end do what the international capitalist community wants.

Only Cuba, and now some countries in South America, have the necessary audacity to challenge. The agreements between Venezuela, Cuba, and others are a concrete step in the right direction. It would be wonderful if South Africa and other African states could participate in these new moves. This is a different more progressive approach to international trade.

In the past the Socialist block worked towards the process of different countries specialising in different products where they had the expertise, experience and industry. The products were then exported to the other socialist countries. This reduced destructive competition and increased co-operation to the increasing satisfaction of the people generally. It was not ideal but it indicate the way forward.

We must steer away from blaming "China" and be clear that the Chinese workers are our comrades and allies.

Ronald Press, One time General Secretary of the S.A.Textile Workers Union