More than 12,000 jobs were destroyed under the Steel Plan alone. Labor's industry plans, which were part of the 13-year Prices and Incomes Accord between the unions and the government, demonstrated that there is no common interest between workers and their employers. The reality is a relentless attack on jobs, wages and conditions in the struggle for markets and investment. The Workers First program would tie workers to the interests of definite sections of the national capitalists, assisting these employers to make further inroads into jobs, wages and conditions. The manufacturing and electronics sectors in those countries rest on Free Trade Zone-style exploitation of workers.
Workers First offers no way forward for working people.
Instead, Johnston, Mighell and their supporters in the radical groups are attempting to create a safety valve to contain the emerging struggles of workers within the very trade union and Labor organisations that have been responsible for the far-reaching attack on jobs and conditions over the past two decades. The WSWS invites your comments. Please send e-mail .