IWCA part 2

[R-HICKMAN@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Continuation....

CLEAN BREAK

The IWCA is distinct from anything that exists in Britain now or
in the recent past. A working class organisation not only
independent of but hostile to Labour. It will seek to absorb and
unite groups (without demanding that they abandon their distinct
positions or organisations) and accommodate individuals on the
basis of that platform, while aspiring to be a pole of attraction
to the tens of thousands of working class militants who long
despaired of the left ever doing anything worhtwhile.
The IWCA will be a clean break with past and will be seen to be
so. From the outset it will be clear that we have rejected
entryism and the prospect of reform, be that reform of the
economic sytem or reform of Labour. We will not orientate towards
or seek solce from the official 'labour movement'. Trade unionism
as a strategy for total social change is no longer vaguely
credible. Instead the IWCA will be community orientated and in
time community based. It will be led by the working class but not
limited to the working class. Essentially it will be a can do
organisation; an organisation that can make things happen or
prevent them happening. Membership will be openly available and
its activists will join with those fighting to achieve immeadiate
results in the interest of the working class.

SELF DETERMINATION

At the heart of the IWCA lies the concept of working class self
determination. Therefore the question of a political programme
does not arise as this would mean the collective will of the
sponsors being imposed in advance. In time, folowing an
appropriate period of common activity a programme will be
hammered out in day to day confrontation with the practical needs
of the class, who will in turn play a key role in the development
of that programme. Initiating a dialogue with local working class
communities will in many cases determine the immediate
priorities.
The Labour Party has arrogantly thrown down the gauntlet to the
working class and the left. We are aware of our responsibility in
picking up that guantlet. The gulf between the working class and
the left is enormous. The size of the task is a daunting one, but
the challenge is nothing compared to the political consequences
of our failing to act.

RESISTANCE

One possible election scenario, is that some sections of the
working class finding themselves in confrontation with a
'socialist' government, and hungry for real change, end up
sharing common ground with the radical right out of sheer
desperation. The left has an obligation to offer the working
class something other than the choice between New Labour and a
resurgent far-right. Labour are forcing the working class into a
fight. As we see it, the alternative to resistance is either
capitulation or collaboration. The setting up of an independent
working class organisation is something that has to be done. New
Labour have themselves provided us with the opening. So lets get
on with it.

Initial sponsors: Anti Fascist Action, Communist Action Group,
Colin Roach Centre, Open Polemic, Partisan, Red Action,
Revolutionary Communist Group, Socialist Parents

If you require futher information, or have suggestions on how the
IWCA could best serve the political interests of the working
class, contact: BM, IWCA, London WC1N 3XX



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