The necessity of anti-capitalism in the climate movement
Why the climate movement needs anti-capitalism.
May 31, 2021
Broadly, capitalism refers to an economic and political system in which industry – the means of production – is controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state, or the people. What the dictionary doesn’t note, however, is that at the rotten core of capitalism lies exploitation and inequality. Anti-capitalism is essential not just for arresting the destruction of our planet but also in terms of addressing the systemic inequalities and exploitations that plague our society. Anti-capitalism must, therefore, be one of the pillars of the climate movement and anti-capitalist behaviour must form the basis of any approach to climate justice.
Emily Bullock, a Glebe estate resident and Hands Off Glebe activist said the NSW government had a fight on its hands and called for an expansion of public housing.
Other speakers included Newtown MP Jenny Leong MP, campaigner Judy Mundey, Louisa Biddington from Eveleigh estate, Evan Van Zijl, from the Australian Unemployed Workers Union and John Engler from Shelter NSW, who received applause as he reflected on the government’s back down on affordable housing at Cowper Street.
On March 22, the government announced a change to the housing development on Cowper Street and Wentworth Park Road, Glebe, saying it would now deliver 100% new social housing. Its original plan was for 70% private housing and 30% social housing. This project will now deliver a total of 75 new social homes, which is 56 more than originally proposed.
May Day in Parramatta. Photo: Peter Boyle
Sydney’s May Day march on May 1 highlighted the green ban imposed by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union on the demolition of Willow Grove, a heritage-listed building which the NSW government wants to “move” to make way for the Powerhouse Museum.
Around 3000 trade unionists and supporters took part in the upbeat rally through the city’s streets from Prince Alfred Park to Willow Grove.
Following the welcome to country by a Dharug woman trade union member, speakers addressed a variety of struggles including the need for international solidarity under COVID-19, the resilience of frontline workers and the injustice of wage freezes and austerity. Natalie Lang from the Australian Services Union and Allen Hicks from the Electrical Trades Union criticised the federal government for its complete failure to act on sexual harassment at work.
He had come from far north Queensland to Sydney to play football and obtained paid employment as a builders’ labourer.
The work was notoriously lacking in safety measures, the amenities on site almost non-existent and the wages poor.
He joined the union only to discover that those who tried to do something about improving wages and conditions on the job were soon dismissed, not only with the support of the union leadership but often at their instigation.
He joined the rank and file organisation which, in an excellent example of daring to struggle, eventually overthrew the previous, corrupt, leadership of the union.
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