GLOBALISING RESISTANCE/255over. Such a response is mandatory for eliminating unemployment.
Such an objective can only be attained through a generalised
reduction of working time, with no loss in wages and with compen
satory job creation. Concerted action is required to oppose job
dismissals and the transfer of workplaces to other regions and
countries. Workers in the South need support from workers in the
North if they are to obtain wage increases and the trade union rights
that can pave the way for an overall improvement of their living
conditions to levels similar to those that exist in the North.
At present, the labour movement remains the most powerful
springboard for direct involvement in political struggles. It is
essential, though, that those on the margins of the productive process
be closely linked to the labour movement and its activities. All social
movements fighting against oppression, whatever form this
oppression takes, must also be intimately involved in this concert of
resistance.
PESSIMISM OF THE INTELLECT, OPTIMISM OF THE WILL
'Pessimism of the intellect' is essential for taking stock of the scale of
the neo-liberal offensive and the powerful organisation of its
proponents. At the same time, it would be wrong to overlook the
'optimism of the will' that spurs on whole sections of the global
population.
Had this determined and courageous resistance not existed in the
four corners of the planet, the ideologues and driving forces behind
globalisation would have gone much further than they have been
able to thus far. This is an achievement in itself, although far
from sufficient.
BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS OF ISOLATION
It is no secret that the capitalist class keeps the media, especially
television, on a tight leash. It is not in its interest to broadcast images
of struggles in which the oppressed demonstrate their creativity and
courage.
While we may be shown confrontations with the police and army
often enough, very seldom are we given any insight into the struggle
in question, the inventiveness of workers, the resourcefulness of
demonstrators, and details of the initiatives that attained their