[Marxism] Underestimation of outright bribery of union leadership

[Brian Shannon <Brian_Shannon@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

BRIBERY AND THE UNION BUREAUCRACY

It is commonly accepted that politicians are systematically bribed or 
are
closely associated with supporters and aides who are subject to bribes.

During the Cold War, one of the biggest scandals was the bribery of 
intellectuals by the CIA, including the wholesale purchase of some 
publishing houses and magazines (some were even established by CIA 
conduits).

However, as soon as this is brought up regarding union leaders, the 
discussion often slides off into corruption in general, arguments 
against conspiracy theories, and most emphatically, that this is a 
diversion from the task of socialists to organize a working-class left 
wing.

Of course, as long as it isn’t about specific corruption or scandals, 
Marxists do write about corruption in general when comparing various 
layers in the working class. Thus we have the privileged skilled 
workers, the privilege of white workers compared to black workers, the 
privilege of workers in advanced countries compared to those in less 
developed nations, etc.

An ad hominem assertion of “White Skin Privilege” was recently advanced 
to refute a criticism of Brazilian President Lula Da Silva.

In general, the “labor aristocracy” is the social basis of opportunism 
and chauvinism. However, when discussing union bureaucrats, it suffices 
to write about large salaries, MacMansions, and enumerated perks.

Most amusing is the argument that unless the bureaucrat has cars as 
large, homes as large, suits as expensive, wine cellars as extensive, 
etc., of their opposite number in negotiations, they would be 
disrespected and by extension the workers that they represent would be 
similarly “dissed.”

The bureaucrats argue that they would be a weakened position in 
negotiations. Some pundits agree with them, while we look on in 
open-mouthed wonder at the chutzpah.

Nonetheless, in addition to the corruption of privilege, specific 
corruption is pervasive among the union bureaucrats. Although it may be 
counterproductive to take time to look for it, clear evidence of it 
should be broadcast as extensively as possible.

We should take every opportunity to introduce Guilt by Association and 
Guilt by Analogy.

Here’s an instance from Germany:

SCANDAL CLAIMS SENIOR VW FIGURE

The personnel chief of German car maker Volkswagen has resigned amid 
claims that union leaders at the company were bribed with holidays and 
prostitutes.

Peter Hartz, who strongly denies the allegations, is the third leading 
figure at the company to step down. A close political adviser to the 
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, he gave his name to the government’s 
flagship economic reforms. He has been backed by Chancellor Schroeder.

Klaus Schuster, a former director of VW’s Skoda unit, and Klaus 
Volkert, VW’s top worker representative, had already stepped down. 
Police are investigating front companies allegedly set up by VW 
directors to handle flows of money.

The BBC’s Ray Furlong in Berlin says it is a heavy political blow to 
Mr. Schroeder ahead of a general election expected in September. He 
adds that the scandal is also focusing attention on the German system 
whereby union leaders and company officials make decisions together in 
so-called works councils.

Critics say it is a cozy historical anachronism and a breeding ground 
for corruption. Supporters argue it has contributed to Germany’s low 
strike rate.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4664893.stm
_____________

From an earlier post by me relating bribery to workers struggles:

The response of capital to the British miner’s 1984 strike reminds me 
of Reagan’s onslaught against the air traffic controllers strike 3 
years earlier in 1981. Their defeat was a terrific blow against the 
U.S. labor movement. At the time, it seemed a ripe issue for labor to 
rally around. The U.S. public had been prepared by publicity around 
safety issues, the stress of the air traffic controllers jobs, and the 
number of hours they worked. Their demand was not only for higher 
wages, but also for shorter hours, i.e., the hiring and training of new 
workers.

Reagan fired the striking workers and the labor movement played dead. I 
have often thought that the leaders were bought off (and I do mean 
bribed) and the lower echelons and rank-and-file workers were so 
startled by their leaders capitulation that they were unable to 
respond.
http://archives.econ.utah.edu/archives/marxism/2004w05/msg00155.htm

Brian Shannon

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