Today's Topics:
1. el miliciano cnt-ait chiclana: For the 25 hours per week,
without salary reduction. For the distribution of work and
wealth! (a-infos-en@ainfos.ca)
2. Poland, WORKERS' INITIATIVE: Against the exploitation of
people and the planet. Trade unions in the fight against the
climate crisis [machine translation] (a-infos-en@ainfos.ca)
3. Greece, Anarchist Political Organization APO: On the march
for the 6 years since the assassination of Paul Fyssas by malady
[machine translation] (a-infos-en@ainfos.ca)
4. Poland, INICJATYWA PRACOWNICZA - WORKERS' INITIATIVE: The
strike on the Amazon Strike Fund has started [machine
translation] (a-infos-en@ainfos.ca)
5. Czech, AFED: Anarchy Works - Lecture Tour: Invitation to
three stops with Peter Gelderloos [machine translation]
(a-infos-en@ainfos.ca)
6. US, black rose fed: "THIS IS OVERDUE": INTERVIEW WITH A
STRIKING GM WORKER (a-infos-en@ainfos.ca)
7. France, Union Communiste Libertaire AL #297 -
Loire-Atlantique: Wave of anger against the surf park (fr, it,
pt)[machine translation] (a-infos-en@ainfos.ca)
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Message: 1
The excessive bombardment of images circulating in societies re-built by icons allied with
artificial formulas of the simulation has caused the media to no longer communicate. The
logic of information has made communication itself a non-communicating tool. The media
(in) communicate. In a context of saturation of minds, news appears in the media of
"communication" that refer to a necessary reduction in working hours without reducing the
purchasing power of the working class as a factor of sustainability of the system itself
and this seems to go completely unnoticed among the own workers. The latest information is
dated April 25, 2019: ---- "The OECD, the club of countries with developed economies,
believes that many of the current jobs will end up automated ... With the advancement of
technology and robotization, Spain has a rather complicated perspective: it is one of the
countries where the highest percentage of jobs run the risk of being replaced by
automatons "(El País).
The CNT-AIT is a revolutionary organization with almost 110 years of history, which has
Principles, Tactics and Purposes and, consequently, does not intend to sustain the system:
the CNT-AIT has amply demonstrated that life can function in a more fair, egalitarian,
ecological, fraternal and supportive than the "provided" by capitalism. The working day of
the future society in which the CNT-AIT has a very simple basis: from each according to
their possibilities, to each according to their needs.
But we come across the current reality. The reality is that we live in a society marked by
deep inequality, where 1% of the world's population accumulates more wealth than the
remaining 80%. In a state in which we suffer the unfortunate effect of unemployment, the
product of an economic scam derived from the most execrable speculation. As a result, it
must be added that the mechanization and computerization of work is assuming more
unemployment and more misery for many workers, in a state where legislation is legislated
to protect the economic elite, which squanders the life of the class worker. Where
corruption and abuse of power is currency.
Faced with this unfortunate situation, the CNT-AIT recalls the forgotten Canadian Strike
today, thanks to which the working class, organized through the CNT-AIT, regardless of
their origin, nationality, or political creed, fought and won the 8-hour day in the
Catalan industry, 40 hours a week. Milestone that served as an example for the fight for
its extension to other geographical areas and production centers.
The day of 40 hours per week at the beginning of the 20th century proved perfectly viable.
And today, in full S. XXI, with a greater performance in the so-called income of work, the
idea of betting on 25 hours per week is not a utopia, as indicated by various studies and
realities, unrelated to anarcho-syndicalism. Because the prohibition of overtime would
allow the immediate creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs. Because the reduction of
the retirement age would allow hundreds of thousands of young people access to work.
Because the 25-hour day, without salary reduction, would allow the creation of hundreds of
thousands of jobs.
For all this, against unemployment, precariousness and the decline in the quality of life
of workers, from CNT-AIT we call you to inform, organize and fight for your rights.
For the 25 hours per week, without salary reduction. For the distribution of work and
wealth! Get organized, mobilize and fight with us and us!
25 hours of Labor Day without salary reduction
Capitalism is not in crisis, it is so. The problem is not the lack of wealth but the
unfair distribution of it. The inability of state governments to solve problems that
affect the living conditions of the working class is evident. Governments are not capable
because they are at the service of banking, of the great fortunes that dominate the world,
of capitalism, and that is why we cannot expect anything from their "policies" that only
generate misery.
There is no more capital or more wealth than the result of labor. Wealth is created by the
working class with our physical and intellectual effort, and we are always the ones who
receive the sticks. Now it is OK!
Spain has more than 3 million paradxs, but this figure will increase significantly with
the incorporation of automatisms in industrial manufacturing processes. On the other hand,
all labor reforms have done nothing but generate precariousness. BE REALISTIC, so that we
can all work, we must work less hours and in order to have a decent and relaxed life, we
must charge more. These proposals do not interest the leeches that live from our sweat and
suffering, who own the land, the industries, the media and control the parliaments. But we
are interested in you, and I who live subject to this criminal and exploitative regime
called capitalism.
From CNT-AIT we demand 25 working hours without salary reduction as a realistic proposal
to end unemployment, poverty and social exclusion.
ORGANIZE AND FIGHT
http://elmilicianocnt-aitchiclana.blogspot.com/2019/09/por-las-25-horas-semanales-sin.html
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Message: 2
Poster inviting you to the Great Climate March - Strike for the Earth (Warsaw, 27/09/2019)
"The fight against climate change is an inseparable part of the fight against existing
economic and social injustice experienced by workers and working poor. Climate change
affects employment and the labor market. " ---- The Labor and Economic Development
Research Institute of Zimbabwe (LEDRIZ), Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) ---- The
consequences of the climate crisis are already affecting thousands of people around the
world today. Forest fires, floods, droughts, hurricanes, but also long-lasting heat waves
and violent storms, which we are increasingly experiencing even in Poland, pose a serious
threat to human health and life, cause material damage and impoverish the inhabitants of
the affected areas. The climate crisis is also affecting our work: the pursuit of some
professions is becoming more risky, some jobs may disappear as the sectors of industry
that are most responsible for CO2 emissions suspend. Even working in "safe" professions,
but in poorly ventilated rooms, not adapted to modern climate conditions, can become more
and more onerous over time,
All this means that the fight against the climate crisis should be one of the main demands
of trade unions around the world. We should demand that our employers provide us with
safety in the workplace and implement solutions that improve the quality of life of
employees, and at the same time protect the environment, such as reduced working time. We
should demand that employees in the sectors that are undergoing transformation due to the
need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions be involved in this process, and that disappearing
jobs be replaced with jobs that ensure decent work.
At the same time, we must remember that capitalists have led to this crisis and are making
money from it. If we do not take the initiative in the fight against a climate
catastrophe, we will feel its consequences much more severely, not only in the form of
natural disasters, but also in the economic crisis. It is also the capitalists who
convince us that we have to pay for the crisis caused by them, threatening that
environmental protection may cost us jobs. It seems important to us to show the false
foundations of this blackmail: air or work, clean water or work, future or work.
The conviction of trade union activists that pro-ecological solutions are aimed at their
work, and environmental activists - that employees (especially employed in the mining
industry and other sectors that burden the environment) constitute the main force blocking
the introduction of systemic changes for environmental protection, weakened the efficiency
of both. It's time to end this false conviction in favor of large corporations. They are
the main beneficiary of the lack of firm, coordinated actions regarding environmental
protection and - the protection of employees and their rights.
However, the question of what role the trade unions will play in the fight against the
climate crisis is complex. We want to start a discussion on this topic in the context of
the specifics of the Polish labor market and ecological threats particularly strongly felt
in our country. We will publish translations of selected texts on the experiences and
activities of trade unions on various continents, as well as theoretical considerations on
the possibility of involvement of the trade union movement in saving the planet. To begin
with, we propose the text by Lorenzo Feltrina Climate strikes and social strike:
working-class ecology and social reproduction about one of the main working-class
strategies - the strike - and the importance of using it in movements to combat the
climate crisis.
Weronika Parafianowicz / University Committee Warsaw University
http://ozzip.pl/teksty/publicystyka/strategie-zwiazkowe/item/2517-przeciw-wyzyskowi-ludzi-i-planety-zz-w-walce-z-kryzysem-klimatycznym
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Message: 3
About 200 people took part in the process started by the Annex. Two anarchist blocks were
formed. One of the open assembly against state repression, involving 50-60 people (calls 1
, 2 , 3 , 4 ) and one of the open assembly of the anarchist Patras. ---- Strong police
forces appeared in the courts trying to follow the course nearby. The strong defenses of
the anarchist blocs with their determined attitude did not allow this to happen and the
cops retreated, following only parallel paths. ---- We do not forget the murder of Paul
Fyssa on September 18, 2013 in Keratsini. We do not forget the murders of S. Luckman, Al.
Grigoropoulos, by Jacques Costopoulos, by P. Ziffle ---- We do not forget the hundreds of
murderous attacks on refugees and immigrants. Not even the dozens of brazen attacks on
squatters, self-managed spaces, and anarchist, left, and anti-fascist fighters.
STATE AND CAPITAL BORN Fascism
NO MARKET!
DOWN THE HANDS FROM THE FELLOWS AND THE FIGHTERS
------------------------------
Message: 4
Thousands of people behind the strike, Amazon's first reactions, what's next? It's time to
fund the Strike Fund! Payments can be made to: https://zrzutka.pl/tt4znt . ---- The strike
referendum at Amazon is ongoing and will continue in all warehouses in Poland. So far
almost 5,000 have participated in it. persons (as of September 20: 4886) - which
constitutes over 30% of the crew from all over Poland. Collecting such a large number of
votes proves the employees' great determination. Our mobilization met with Amazon's
response. He implemented one of the union proposals: he increased the minimum number of
hours that must be worked to be assessed for performance. Thanks to this, we will work
under less pressure. However, this change is not enough.
So we start preparations for the next stages of the dispute by opening a fundraiser to the
Strike Fund. We need help to cover the costs associated with organizing a strike service
(printing posters, banners, leaflets, transport between warehouses throughout Poland) and
financial support for employees in the event of a strike.
You don't work at Amazon or logistics - why do we count on your support? We're not just
fighting for ourselves! Amazon aims to achieve a global monopoly, and the practices used
by the corporation are disseminated on the labor market. Poland is attractive to Amazon
because of its geographical location, anti-employee law, including a restrictive right to
strike, and still cheap labor. When setting the amount of remuneration, Amazon takes into
account the earnings data of local manual workers, but not the profits we generate. In
this way, it intensifies global inequalities.
Example? We earn 1/3 of the rate in Germany, even though we do the same job and send
parcels to Germany. We counted that in order to equate consumption possibilities with the
possibilities of German "Amazons" we should earn at least 54 percent their earnings, i.e.
PLN 25 net of tax per hour. Such an increase for employees in Poland is a marginal part of
the record profit of $ 3.5 billion, which Amazon recorded in the first quarter of 2019.
Besides, thanks to our work, the company's founder, Jeff Bezos, earns in a second as much
as we do in three months .
Instead of significantly increasing wages, Amazon is increasing pressure on ever-higher
standards (the number of packages packed per hour). This is favored by employing most
employees through agencies or on fixed-term contracts. This condemns us to instability and
permanent temporality. Did you know the advertisement "employ yourself at Amazon"? - at
the same time, when mass recruitment is underway, hundreds of employees who have worked on
monthly (including agency) or annual contracts without giving any reason will not offer
another.
Amazon has become a symbol of technological development, but 21st century technology
serves to increase control and discipline. It also aims to intensify the work in which we
use - as in the 19th century - mainly the strength of our muscles, exposing ourselves to
health loss. This is confirmed by the Labor Inspectorate and court experts, indicating in
studies that employees are exposed to an effort that significantly exceeds the permitted
norms. However, the law in Poland has so many restrictions that only we employees from
various industries and plants can improve our existence through action and mutual solidarity.
The referendum will last until further notice. We have already done a lot to undermine the
anti-employee practices of Amazon-type corporations and we are ready for more. The strike
service and the collection of votes continues. That's why we encourage you: support our
efforts today!
We remind all Amazon employees throughout Poland from all magazines about ongoing voting.
Every voice matters! If you think a strike should take place, put a cross on yes. If you
do not agree to organize a strike: state it openly, tick 'no' on the ballot paper. Only
for verification purposes it is necessary to provide your data on the card confirming the
card collection, which will be at the exclusive disposal of the unions and courts if
Amazon contests our vote. We will not provide this information to the employer.
People on long-term sick leave and on leave (including maternity leave) may also vote.
Your vote will matter, even if you want to change jobs soon. So vote without fear when
voting on bets (search terms on union facebook) or via the internet, all you have to do is
go to referendum.ozzip.pl.
http://ozzip.pl/teksty/informacje/ogolnopolskie/item/2518-ruszyla-zrzutka-na-fundusz-strajkowy-amazon
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Message: 5
Peter Gelderloos, author of Anarchy Works, which was recently published in Czech
translation. ---- On the occasion of the Czech edition of his book Anarchy works. Examples
of anarchist ideas in practice will come to the Czech Republic by its author Peter
Gelderloos and will talk about examples of anarchic societies in the past and present. You
can attend his lectures at the following places: ---- BRNO: Café / Restaurant THREE
OCASCI, Tuesday 1. 10. from 19:00 ---- class Kpt. Jaroš 18 ? https://www.triocasci.cz/
---- LIBEREC: Community Garden LIAS, Thursday 3 October from 7:00 pm ---- Široká
Street[www.facebook.com/zahradalias] ---- TÁBOR: TABOOK Book Festival, Friday October 4
the exact program of the festival at http://www.tabook.cz
"That would never work," people usually argue when we try to bring them closer to the
anarchist concept of human society. Anarchy is a utopian ideal in their eyes that in
reality has no chance of surviving. Peter Gelderloos tells them in his book that he is
fundamentally wrong. It presents dozens of examples from all over the world, past and
present, showing that anarchy, a social arrangement in which interpersonal relationships
are not determined by hierarchy and violent power but by the principles of solidarity and
mutual assistance, is not only functional but above all quite natural. . Anarchy is a
system from which a person arose and in which he would have lived and thrived even today
if he had not been deprived of it by force or deceit. It is also a system in which it can
best cope with the urgent problems of today, such as poverty and inequality or
environmental devastation. Peter Gelderloos' book is a historical tour of the various
forms of anarchy that have ever occurred in the world. In addition, it serves as a
practical guide for those who are aware of the plight of our world and would like to do
something about it. You can read a review of his bookHERE .
Peter Gelderloos (b. 1982 in the USA) is one of the leading anarchist writers today. Is
the author of numerous theoretical, historical and travel books, among others. How
Nonviolence Protects the State (2007) To Get to the Other Side: A Journey Through Europe
and Its anarchist movements (2010) or Worshiping Power: An Anarchist View of Early State
Formation (2017). Because of his views and activism, he faced police persecution several
times. He currently lives in Catalonia.
If necessary, the lecture will be translated into Czech. At the same time, a presentation
by the Anarchist Federation Publishing House will take place .
https://www.afed.cz/text/7034/anarchie-funguje-prednaskove-turne
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Message: 6
Striking UAW members staff picket lines outside of the Flint Assembly Plant. ---- As
General Motors reaped $8.1 billion in profit and paid its CEO $22 million, nearly 50,000
GM workers have been on strike since Monday. While workers gave major concessions during
the previous recession the company is digging in it's heels over wages and has even cut
off healthcare plans for workers. Marianne Garneau of Organizing Work interviewed Lynn, a
rank-and-file UAW and Black Rose/Rosa Negra member, on strike at a components plant in
Rochester. ---- Were you on the picket line today? ---- I've been doing hall duty, which I
hate sometimes because I'm not on the picket line, but I also love it because I get to
respond to people's needs. I'm the one who drives over the coffee, asks them if they need
anything.
How long have you been at GM, and what is your position there?
I've been there going on 14 years. I'm a team leader. We set up the line, make sure
everyone has what they need. Do troubleshooting, get the right trades in. Directly report
to supervisors about issues.
What is it like working there?
In the 13 years I've worked there, we've seen a lot. Our contracts have not been the
greatest. They've played around with our health care so many times.
Our pay is lower compared to rest of GM because we are a components plant.[UAW Vice
President]Cindy Estrada has always said, "To remain competitive, we have to keep our wages
lower than the vehicle makers, because other component plants want to steal our business."
That's how the union put it to us.
Our wages are not a living wage. They're below or at the poverty line. But it's just
enough that we don't qualify for assistance.
When I was an elected official (a shop steward), during all the bankruptcies, I was
representing a girl who was being discharged because of being tardy because of child care.
We weren't making a whole lot, and childcare is very expensive. And you know how it is, if
you're a parent: sometimes things don't go as you think they are going to go. She
basically said, "My son was in the hospital, I just couldn't make it in to work. He was
very sick." And she said, "But I'm glad you're firing me, because now I can get the help
that I need."
And this is what people consider a very good job. To hear someone say, "Now that you've
fired me, I can get the help that I need." It was almost a relief to her.
Striking GM workers rally in front of the Lexington Avenue plant in Rochester, NY on
September 16, 2019.
What kinds of conditions do workers face on the job?
We have something called the "line rate initiative." It's a way of getting people to
produce "the rate," and it's impossible, because some of our equipment is not working as
it should. The machines aren't cycling as fast as they should.
Some of the people working on the line have no idea they are being held up by equipment.
So when management says, "You're not holding your rate," they get scared. I've seen
full-on panic attacks and crying, freaking out they're going to lose their jobs.
On Friday we had a quality issue. I brought it to management's attention. I said, "This
isn't good, our error proofing isn't working," and this manager said, "Can you just make
sure people are doing what they're supposed to?" But that's not my job; I'm not the boss.
I said, "Maybe if you backed off this line rate initiative you could focus on getting
parts not just the rate. And you say you're worried about quality?"
Our department has 20 people out on work-related injuries. It's one of the highest injury
places in the whole GM system. We are way up there for small components. We also have the
highest amount of people on FMLA, because our management is not reasonable at all. Workers
will say, "I've got to leave in 5 mins for a doctor's appointment" and the response from
management will be: "Nope."
There's a lot of discrimination. Our area leader had a girl go to labor relations who
questioned her when she was leaving on maternity, because she was going to the bathroom
often. Give her a break, she's pregnant.
How does the union handle grievances?
Shitty. Especially when it comes to discrimination. Because it's hard to prove, and I
think they just kind of dismiss...[But]I have a lot of documentation around it. For
example, there was a time that everyone of color was put on notice for not attending a
morning meeting, and there was a white male who never came[to morning meetings]. But he
never got such a notice. He had that white male privilege and he never got in trouble. But
all these people[of color]were losing pay and time.
There are double-standards - I answered my phone right in front of my bosses, and no one
said anything. And two days later, a black coworker said he got put on notice for being on
the phone.
How do you feel about the strike?
Empowered. Relieved that the union is taking a stand against all this corporate greed.
All these UAW leaders are being indicted for corruption and bribery. It's a serious thing
and makes you wonder who you can trust. But I totally see this as a strategy to try to gut us.
And I know[UAW Vice-President]Terry Dittes personally because he used to be my Region 9
Director. In all the interactions I've had with him, he genuinely seems like he's on my
side. I actually brought up some of my concerns about lactation and accessibility, and he
said "my wife is a lactation consultant; I should talk with her when we do that stuff."
Every interaction I've had with him has felt genuine. And I feel like we all kind of knew
this was going to happen as soon as he became a VP, because he's a legit fighter. I've
always thought he was great.
There are a lot of conspiracy theories that GM and the UAW wanted us to strike - that they
came to that decision together. I have a hard time believing that but it could be true.
Any other strike I have witnessed, the company allows scabbing. If you want to go to work,
you can. But when I was handing out flyers Monday morning, making sure everyone knew we
were on strike and to got to the[union]hall, there were a few people who tried to go in
and their badge did not work. So it was impossible to scab. So you kind of have to wonder,
are they in bed? Because they're not even going to allow scabbing. You would think they
would like that, because it helps weaken the union.
What's the conspiracy theory?
That it's just a way for GM to, instead of laying us off, that they only have so much
inventory, so they can say, "Go ahead and strike so we don't have to pay you."
I cannot believe that they turned off our healthcare. My understanding is, if you go on
strike, contractually, the company has to provide health insurance for 30 days. But they
shut it off today. So the union has to take over our health care. The legal team is
looking into that.
How does that affect you personally?
I'm already struggling financially. I've been struggling financially because I'm the only
income my family has. I've made do for the most part pretty well, living paycheck to
paycheck. Sometimes I get behind on things, and I rely on the bonuses we get from GM. We
get three or four a year. That helps me catch back up. I get behind, then I get a bonus,
and I pay all my bills and catch up. Right now I'm behind a truck payment.
I knew this was a possibility. Everyone said, "Make sure you save," and I tried, but it's
really hard when you live paycheck to paycheck. And my daughter just started preschool, so
that's an expense.
I'm not going to really feel it until next Friday when there's no paycheck. Hopefully
it[the strike]is done by then. Last time, the last strike only lasted two days. But it
sounds like it's going to go at least a week. Right now they have our strike duties
planned for two weeks.
What's the mood on the picket line?
For the most part, everybody's still in shock. They feel like it's surreal. Some people
are like, "I've been here 22 years, and I've never been on strike."
No one is saying anything pro-company. I haven't heard too much anti-union. A couple
people have complained they can't live off the strike pay. Of course no one can live off
$220 a week.
Right now we're happy, excited, pumped up, working together, feeling the solidarity. I'm
the loudest. I try to get everybody going. Everybody chanting. I'm really silly out there.
Everyone seems pretty happy, having a good time with their coworkers. They're excited and
relieved the union is taking a stand. We really feel like, "FINALLY." We've taken so much.
My plant went through two bankruptcies since I've worked there. GM is just a mindfuckery.
We all want to go back to work. But we also want a corporation that is held accountable
for their greed. Why are they shutting plants down and shipping them overseas? We were
told our plant only has two years of work left. We don't know what the future holds. Our
strike, for us, is about security. We want to feel secure. There's a lot of temp hiring
going on, when they have people[already]in the GM system who need to feel that security.
It used to be, you did your 90 days and then you were an employee. Now there are people in
the GM system who have been temps for two years. That's ridiculous. That means you can't
call in, you have no vacation, no benefits, nothing. We have to put our foot down on that.
And we can't afford to pay 15% out of pocket[for health care]. Why do we have to do that,
when the company is making billions, and we make that for them? We're the ones who make
them a profitable company, and they keep wanting to cut things that benefit us. It's such
a slap in the face.
This is the biggest strike in a really long time. It's overdue. During the bankruptcy, the
union was cooperative. We wanted to do everything in our power to make sure our company
went back to making a profit. Because if they profit, we all have job security. That's why
we made concessions - about not going on strike for eight years or whatever it was. For
four years, we had that deductible, where we had to pay for our health care. We took a
lot. And we struggled through those times so the company could be profitable, and so we
could live to fight another day. That was something that the union said a lot: "We have to
do this so we can live to fight another day." Today is that day.
This interview was originally published by Organizing Work blog which provides a platform
for shop floor organizing struggles as well as reporting and commentary on the labor movement.
For more in depth discussion on the labor movement we recommend "The State of Labor:
Beyond Unions, But Not Without Them" by the Labor Sector Committee of Black Rose/Rosa
Negra. For more readings on inspiring and successful strikes, we recommend:
"Strike To Win: How the West Virginia Teacher Strike Was Won"
"Let's Go For It": Interview with a Striking AT&T Union Steward"
"Picket Line Lessons: The UTLA Teacher Strike"
http://blackrosefed.org/this-is-overdue-interview-with-striking-gm-worker/
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Message: 7
In Saint-Père-en-Retz (Loire-Atlantique), 10 km from the Atlantic Ocean, a surf park
project arouses an opposition movement ... under construction. But for the moment the
mobilization is going through difficulties, whereas the work must start at the beginning
of 2020. There is urgency ! ---- Since July 5, the Loire-Atlantique and Vendée are in
drought. Farmers are prohibited from watering their fields. And yet, it is in
Loire-Atlantique, on the border with the Vendée, that this project of surf park was
launched, carried by the company Magic Swell: a basin of 200 meters long generating
artificial waves all the 8 seconds ... 10 km from the Atlantic Ocean, yet little stingy in
waves (free and ecological) and surfers.
Destruction of agricultural land and water scavenging
This project will officially result in the destruction of eight hectares of agricultural
land, but actually 25 hectares when we take into account the related projects
(bar-restaurant, playgrounds, picnic area and rooms that can host business seminars) and
by the requisition of twenty-five million liters of water, certainly planned to turn in
closed circuit (during the five years of exploitation of the surf park according to
certain echoes). Today the drought that plagues and the Loire which is at the lowest
remind us yet the importance of an economical management of water resources.
The collective Terres communes [1]decided to oppose this destructive project. Even
Philippe Grosvalet, PS president of the Loire-Atlantique department decided to return his
jacket, having perhaps felt the wind (volunteer wave generator) turn.
July 20 was organized a first weekend of occupation. Workshops and concerts were planned
on the site. But about fifty FNSEA conventional farmers, fascists recruited via Facebook
page to " break the zadiste " and residents frightened by the prospect of a new Zad
have arrived on the site around 11:30 , determined to do battle. The most angry were
armed, perched on tractors and accompanied by tons of manure to make the site unusable.
The Zapistes (Zap for protected area or area of peasant autonomy) still too few on site at
that time have withstood somehow.
Clashes took place, under the gaze of the gendarmerie, not decided to intervene ... until
the first wounded, who was the farmer formerly owner of the field. A boon for the cops.
The mobile gendarmes, then more numerous than the zapistes, then went down on the ground
to threaten those present with collective custody with prosecution if they did not
dismantle the site.
Rising tensions
At the same time, 200 people who had gathered in front of the town hall to demonstrate
against the project at 2 pm, moved to the place of occupation. After death threats from
fascist militiamen in the streets of Saint-Père-en-Retz, the demonstration was prevented
from entering by the gendarmerie.
Faced with the ultimatum and a little balance of power to our advantage, it was agreed to
move the site to a farm owned by a member of Common Ground. The support rally - and no
longer occupation - still took place. An event full of energy and determination with
unfortunately a shadow on the board: one of the members of the collective was summoned to
the gendarmerie for assault with weapon while he was not even present on site during the
clash.
A week later, on July 27, a new gathering was held at the town hall, with a hundred
people. Once again, the presence of the camp opposite made the event, but this time
outnumbered from the start. The rally therefore took place as planned. This also allowed
to know a little better the composition of the opponents of the Zap: supporters of "
economic dynamism ", ultraviolet elements, the typical speech of the extreme right
antisocial - " you are all feigners to the RSA " - and threatening zapistes physical
aggression - " we're going to blow your head " - or even death ; but also people who
disagree with the means of action of the Zapists. With these a discussion may be possible ...
The opposition to the surf park struggles to gather en masse. Opponents of the project
seem to be struggling to hold an occupation to a few dozen people and demonstrations of
support on Saturdays gather for the moment only a few hundred people. In addition, the
small size of the land does not allow the same occupation strategy as in larger Zad. But
the determination is at the rendezvous.
Prepare for the future
What the movement really needs today is support, and more, activists. The UCL invites you
all to come to the next gatherings, to follow this fight closely and to talk about it
around you. At the height of the struggle, the Zad of Notre-Dame-des-Landes could gather
tens of thousands of people. This was decisive in his victory. The possibility of actions
in Nantes at the end of September, via a support committee at the Zap, was discussed.
Committee whose preparation will take place this summer and which already includes members
of UCL Nantes.
It is up to us all, by the number, to make the Zap, too, live and win. With the start of
construction scheduled for early 2020, it will be necessary to mobilize quickly. Not to
mention the need for support for those who have been identified by the authorities as
leaders of the movement and could be confronted with the judicial institution.
Florian (UCL Nantes)
[1] The collective Terres communes was created to defend the land, the biodiversity and
the small peasantry by supporting projects of peasant autonomy, artisanal and actions
against the urbanization of the lands or their concentration in the hands of some big farmers.
ttps://www.unioncommunistelibertaire.org/?Loire-Atlantique-Vague-de-colere-contre-le-surf-park
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