Since 2009,
the Greek society is -to a greater extent than elsewhere in Europe- affected by
yet another capitalist crisis. Among other measures governments have taken to
overcome it, the reduction of the value of labour stands out.
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| Foto: Andrés Lofiego |
Since that
moment, we have been trying to put this decision into practice. Five different governments
have come and gone since then; our conclusion is that they all lack political
will. They show an abstract interest in our endeavour, but they take no action to
facilitate the normal operation of the factory. Lately, we were promised (through
the statements of now prime-minister Mr Tsipras) that as soon as the party comes
to the government, it will resolve the issue immediately. However, they have
made no move in this direction, demonstrating a profound timidity in terms of
decision making. They remain passive observers while the judicial powers are
making a series of unfavourable decisions that pose serious threats to our
endeavour, although it is evident that this issue requires a political
solution.
Nevertheless,
we keep on our solidarity production, to guarantee our subsistence and pay for
the factory’s expenses. We call it “solidarity production” not only because it
is distributed through solidarity networks, but because it promotes a different
conception regarding the production methods. Unlike the previous production of
the factory, which consisted largely of building materials and heavy acidic
cleaners, the products we now manufacture are natural detergents and soaps of
an excellent quality, which do not harm the environment and the people who use
them. Furthermore, the prices are maintained at a level that is accessible to working
class families amidst the crisis. The decision to switch our production was jointly
taken with a large part of society, which is standing on our side since the
first days of the endeavour.
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| Foto: Andrés Lofiego |
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| Foto: Andrés Lofiego |
Today we
want to bring these issues into the public dialogue:
When an
owner abandons a factory after loading it with a heavy and artificial debt
burden, shouldn’t this debt be assumed by the one who created it?
When in the
past the plots of land where the factory was built were donated to the employer
by the state, in recognition of the social impact of the job creation, shouldn’t
this land be taken back today, to be given to workers, so they operate the
factory again? Shouldn’t the workers have a chance to apply their different
philosophy of work, recuperating at the same time the lost jobs?
With equitable
distribution of wealth, fairer commercial relations, without parasitic levels
of profit and with the distribution of surpluses back to society itself.
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| Foto: Andrés Lofiego |
However,
the judicial authorities, which represent the most conservative section of
society, try to prevent such a development. Starting on Thursday, November 26, they commence
an auction process in order to liquidate a vibrant factory that operates,
produces and ensures the subsistence of its workers.
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| Foto: Andrés Lofiego |
In
solidarity,
the workers
of VIOME.
