Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The SPGB on the SWP

a. This EC notes reports of Socialist Workers Party (Britain).
i. Arbitrary expulsion prior to conference of four members resulting from their expression of political disagreement.
ii. Subsequent resignations after the allegations have been made public outside the party.
iii. Further allegations of procedural impropriety arising fromcentral committee privilege.

b. The Socialist Party asserts the norms of the labour movement for over a century. These are
i. Members can speak freely and action alleged to be detrimental to the interests of the organisation decided as democratically as possible by the membership as a whole.
ii. Democracy means all members should participate in determining policy and be in full possession of the facts.All positions of responsibility should be chosen through competitive election.
iii. Activity should be democratic and decided by the majority. Anarchist criticism of tyranny of the majority is wrong and leads to tyranny of structurelessness. Activity or inactivity should be voluntary.

c. The Socialist Party concludes -- our unique contributions.
i. The SWP tradition (its policies determined by the Central Committee) is distinguished by organisational norms contrary to the labour movement and its best interests.
ii. Secrecy under the guise of security is characteristic of a sect not a party.
iii. Likewise, the party has a responsibility to hear and listen to political complaints openly from within and from workers outside the party without prejudice. This is especially the case for complaints against those in positions of responsibility.

No comments: