Addressing the Issue of Peace Head-On

Of course, as representatives of the working class, labor unions support peace. But until now, the issue has mostly been taken for granted as a historical given, one that received little attention. That should — and must — change now. The fourth Labor Union Conference for Peace, organized by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation and IG Metall Würzburg, aims to bring about that change.

The question of war and peace is no longer an abstract one, because our colleagues in the workplaces are directly affected by it. For metalworkers, the shift from civilian to military production looms (or is held out as a prospect). Healthcare workers are experiencing the preparations for war firsthand through new instructions for “emergencies” that throw their ethical principles out the window.

Many specific issues must be reexamined, and old resolutions must be reaffirmed with new arguments — such as the resolution passed by the DGB Federal Congress firmly rejecting the reintroduction of mandatory military service. The demand for “civil clauses” at universities and the protection of schools from indoctrination by Bundeswehr “career counselors” is also more urgently needed now than it was 10 years ago. The Beutelsbach Consensus must continue to be upheld in this regard.

A full account of everything else discussed in Würzburg can be found in the linked article.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Read more https://www.telepolis.de/article/Gewerkschaften-entdecken-Friedenspolitik-als-Kernfrage-neu-11382238.html

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