Posted on: April 15, 2009  @ 13:45

We must build a better world from the ground up

The current economic crisis has clearly shown that capitalism conflicts with the social rights of people around the world, including their right to food, employment, a decent income, a fair division of wealth, health and a viable environment. What has the G‑20 done to guarantee these rights? What has come out of this meeting of the leaders of the 20 most powerful countries in the world?

Not much. The banks were asked for a little more transparency; tax havens to be a bit more discreet with their money laundering, while the CEOs of large corporations got off with a slap on the wrist after being told not to always try getting a piece of the action. To top it all off, the monies made available for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were doubled. Some fancy speeches, a great deal of media fanfare and presto, the job is done. Everyone goes back home, happy to have made history.

In reality, all they did was to make sure things stayed the same. Capitalism was replaced with more capitalism. As the saying goes, “Capitalism is dead, long live capitalism.” No concrete steps were taken to directly help workers or to fight poverty. Once again, it’s “profit before people.”

It’s clear that change will not come from the top down. It will come from us as a result of our involvement as workers and citizens. In light of this crisis, we have to rethink the very foundations of our society and of trade and commerce. We need to reflect on the type of society we want to build. As trade unionists, we have to play an active role in this thought process around change. ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE, LET’S START BUILDING IT!

 

cupe 1979 / cope 225