Running against the grain of defeatism, the steelworkers at “Greek Steelworks” (Elliniki Halivourgia) have already achieved what would have seemed inconceivable only a few weeks ago. They took on their boss and his threat to cut down their salary cuts dramatically (by 40%) and to fire those who instigated the strike – and it seems like they are winning!

Already striking for 55 days in a row (as of December 26th, 2011; the strike started on November 1st) the steelworkers have already created a formidable record. They have forced their boss to the negotiating table and the first “offer” has already come through – the schedule restructuring (and subsequent pay cuts) to be withdrawn, but the sacking of at least 34 of their co-workers would stay in place. The strikers have rejected the “offer” and the struggle continues.  This is not just their struggle: it is a struggle against the ritualistic, theatrical opposition of single-day General Strikes; it is a struggle against the defeatism and the fatalistic attitude of those unable to see through the haze of the memorandum and the capitalist crisis; it is a struggle that shatters through the delusions of the spectacle at the time of the year when it would have otherwise reached a peak.

Victory to the steelworkers – indefinite, wildcat strikes everywhere, now!