[P2P-F] Fwd: [seizing_building_commoning] Greek Factory Under Workers Control

Mon Feb 18 04:50:18 CET 2013

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Vasilis Kostakis <kostakis.b at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Feb 17, 2013 at 1:57 PM
Subject: Re: [seizing_building_commoning] Greek Factory Under Workers
Control
To: Michel Bauwens <michel at p2pfoundation.net>
Cc: Orsan Senalp <orsan1234 at gmail.com>, George Papanikolaou <
georgepapani at gmail.com>


A brief report:
http://blog.p2pfoundation.net/occupied-greek-factory-begins-production-under-workers-control/2013/02/17


> Betreff:        [seizing_building_commoning] Greek Factory Under Workers
> Control
> Datum:  Sun, 10 Feb 2013 20:01:08 -0500
> Von:    Marina Sitrin <marina.sitrin at gmail.com>
> Antwort an:     seizing_building_commoning@**lists.riseup.net<seizing_building_commoning at lists.riseup.net>
> An:     seizing_building_commoning@**lists.riseup.net<seizing_building_commoning at lists.riseup.net>
>
>
>
> *Occupied Greek Factory Begins Production Under Workers Control*
>
> *Occupy, Resist, Produce!*
>
> “We see this as the only future for worker’s struggles.”
>
> Makis Anagnostou, Vio.Me workers’ union spokesman
>
> Tuesday, February 12, 2013 is the official first day of production under
> workers control in the factory of Viomichaniki Metalleutiki(Vio.Me) in
> Thessaloniki, Greece. This means production organized without bosses and
> hierarchy, and instead planned with directly democratic assemblies of
> the workers. The workers assemblies have declared an end to unequal
> division of resources, and will have equal and fair remuneration,
> decided collectively. The factory produces building materials, and they
> have declared that they plan to move towards a production of these goods
> that is not harmful for the environment, and in a way that is not toxic
> or damaging.
>
> “With unemployment climbing to 30% - sick and tired of big words,
> promises and more taxes - not having been paid since May 2011, the
> workers of Vio.Me, by decision of the general assembly of the union
> declare their determination not to fall prey to a condition of perpetual
> unemployment, but instead to take the factory in their own hands to
> operate themselves. It is nowtime for worker’s control of Vio.Me.!”
> (Statement of the Open Solidarity Initiative, written together with the
> workers of Vio.Me – full statement: Viome.org <http://www.viome.org>)
>
> Workers in Vio.Me stopped being paid in May of 2011, and subsequently
> the owners and managers abandoned the factory. After a series of
> assemblies the workers decided that together they would run the factory.
> Since then, they have occupied and defended the factory and the
> machinery needed for production. They have continued to reach out to
> other workers and communities throughout Greece, receiving tremendous
> support. The solidarity and support of all of these groups, communities
> and individuals, has made an important contribution towards the survival
> of the workers and their families thus far.
>
> This experience of worker’s occupation to workers recovery and control
> is not new – either historically or currently. Since 2001 there are
> close to 300 workplaces that are run democratically by workers in
> Argentina, ranging from health clinics and newspapers and schools, to
> metal factories, print shops and a hotel. The experience there has shown
> that workers together cannot only run their own workplace, but can do it
> better. The example of Argentina has spread throughout the Americas, and
> now to Europe and the US. In Chicago, workers of New World Windows have
> begun production under workers control after years of struggles with
> former owners and bosses. And now in Greece, workers are again showing
> that the way forward – out of unemployment – refusing the crisis – is
> workers control and directly democratic self-management.
>
>
>
> “We urge all workers, the unemployed and all those who are affected by
> the crisis to stand by the workers of Vio.Me and support them in their
> effort to put in practice the belief that workers can make it without
> bosses! To participate in the struggle and organize their own fights
> within their work places, with directly democratic procedures and
> without bureaucrats.” (Union’s website: biom-metal.blogspot.gr
> <http://www.biom-metal.**blogspot.gr <http://www.biom-metal.blogspot.gr>>)
>
> As with all factory recuperations, the question of initial financing is
> central. While solidarity has been able to maintain the lives of the
> workers of Vio.Me and their families, the capital needed to continue
> production is huge. The workers’ union has a business plan that is
> sustainable, but will take time to get off the ground. These first
> months are crucial. Financial help can make all the difference. Any
> contribution is helpful.
>
> Direct financial support can be sent to the Vio.Me workers’ union in
> Thessaloniki through the International Solidarity Website: viome.org
> <http://www.viome.org>
>
> Solidarity Statements as well as questions can be sent to:
> protbiometal at gmail.com <mailto:protbiometal at gmail.com**>
>
> Signed,
>
> Thessaloniki Solidarity Initiative, Brendan Martin (Working World),
> Dario Azzellini and Marina Sitrin
>
> Supporters of this initiative include:
>
> David Harvey, Naomi Klein, Avi Lewis, John Holloway, Silvia Federici,
> George Caffentzis, David Graeber, Mag Wompel (labournet.de
> <http://labournet.de>) and The Cooperativa de Trabajo lavaca, Buenos
> Aires, Argentina
>
>
>
> --
> Seamos realistas, hagamos lo imposible ~ che
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> P2P Foundation: http://p2pfoundation.net  - http://blog.p2pfoundation.net
>
> <http://lists.ourproject.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/p2p-foundation>Updates:
> http://twitter.com/mbauwens; http://www.facebook.com/mbauwens
>
> #82 on the (En)Rich list: http://enrichlist.org/the-complete-list/
>


-- 
kostakis.org  <http://p2pfoundation.net/Vasilis_Kostakis>


-- 
P2P Foundation: http://p2pfoundation.net  - http://blog.p2pfoundation.net

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