BY CHRIS CAIN
As an active delegate and trade unionist and also being actively involved in the Socialist Alliance as an independent, it is my opinion that the proposal from the Democratic Socialist Party (DSP) has not come quick enough. It should have been done yesterday, so to speak.
This proposal is not about the DSP or any other organisation taking over the Socialist Alliance, but more about building one working-class left party.
Most militant trade unionists are crying out for somewhere to hang their hat as a true working-class voice. We all know that the Labor Party has over the last 15 years done a major shift to the right, selling out workers at every turn.
I joined the Socialist Alliance not to be part of an organisation that would remain made up of nine small groups. I joined the alliance to see it eventually move forward to the position of being one united left organisation. Yes, there may be political differences among us on issues within the organisation, but I ask everyone in the alliance to seriously consider the proposal from the DSP.
Along with Craig Johnston, I recently had the opportunity to visit some 20 or so construction sites in Perth, with mass meetings of all unions on the sites. Debate always came up around the Labor Party and what the alternative was to it. We did our best to try to answer those questions, but I have to say, all the workers want change and the alliance needs to show them the way.
Let's not miss this opportunity to go forward. Let's take the opportunity to advance the struggle of workers into what I see as a united left through one party, the Socialist Alliance. I believe if we are serious about this, then we should welcome the proposal from the DSP and move on.
I and a lot more trade unionists ask everyone in the Socialist Alliance to not let this opportunity be lost to the movement. Dare to struggle, dare to win! Let's do it!
[Chris Cain a member of the Socialist Alliance national executive and the Western Australian branch of the Maritime Union of Australia.]
From Green Left Weekly, October 30, 2002.
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