Spanish miners' struggle still going on

Vanguard August 2012 p, 11
Jim H

Here is a follow up on the Asturian miners in Spain that was reported on in the last issue of Vanguard.

That covered the ongoing general strike against the government’s intention to slash subsidies as a part of the growing austerity program to squeeze the people to pay the bankers for the economic crisis that their actions have imposed.

The militant and courageous action, including beating off police attacks, has served to highlight the need to struggle for the interests of the working class and people in general, and in doing this take on the class enemy, not only in the form of the big corporations and banks and European imperialism, but also move against the political representatives of the capitalist of this small minority.

The core issue is that the money that had been allocated by the European Union to not only keep the mines in the coal fields going in the short term, but also to create alternative industries, has been diverted by the government for other purposes.

The courage of these miners has been an inspiration that has reverberated around the world. No doubt it will play a considerable role in lifting the struggle of the working class and people

against the onslaught of their class enemy in the form of attacks on wages and conditions and the brutal austerity measures that were being announced by Prime Minister Rajoy as the miners were being attacked. The intention is to make the people pay the banks what many commentators agree will amount to around €300 billion.

It is clear that the miners are aware of their current leading role in the working class of the whole of Spain. Because of this leadership role, they enjoy overwhelming support from the

people.

After an almost 600 kilometre march, many of the miners arrived in the capital Madrid on July 10. The streets were lined with supporters, as they had been in the towns and villages along the way. When they attempted to regroup for a demonstration the next day, they

were met by riot police, who used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up the

demonstration.

Incensed by the brutality, over a million residents marched on the next day. Over the following days, the numbers increased further, and 16 July saw roads and rail lines blocked

in Madrid. By 19 July millions were taking part across the country.

The struggle continues with a range on ongoing actions. At the same time, other parts of the working class have gone on strike to defend their conditions and oppose austerity.

For example, various sections of public sector workers, including fire fighters have taken to the streets. One of their slogans is "we rescue people, not banks." Even the police joined in and took on the paramilitaries.

On 26 July, there was a 24 hour general strike, specifically against the announced tax hikes and government cuts. Protests have been seen in more than 80 cities.

All this serves to provide the opportunity to build fighting capacity and organisation on the ground, and though this lifts the struggle to a higher conscious level.

It is clear already that the majority of the people want a new people friendly direction for Spain. Increasingly this is taking the shape of the need to do away with the present capitalist system under the direction of foreign imperialism.