Vol. 77/No. 38      October 28, 2013

No worker has to die or be maimed on the job!

But our lives and limbs are sacrificed day in and day out as the capitalists cut every corner they can in cutthroat competition for profits and market share.

Bosses in Bangladesh have created workplace death traps as they capture a big share of world garment production. The workers, whose ranks are rapidly expanding, are beginning to organize and resist, while factory owners are fighting tooth and nail to keep unions out.

U.S. coal mining bosses, whose production and profits have been contracting, are also looking to shore up their profits on the backs of miners.

The recent mine deaths in the U.S. have taken place during the government “shutdown,” top union officials are quick to point out. And it’s no surprise that the government doesn’t consider workplace safety inspections among the “essential” services kept running — as it does the functions of cops, prison guards, court officers, secret police agents and military personnel. But it’s dead wrong and disorienting to point to the lack of government inspections as the problem. Seventeen coal miners have been sacrificed on the altar of profit so far this year — and not one had to die.

After hundreds died in Bangladeshi garment factories, several international clothing chains in the U.S. and Europe cried crocodile tears and promised to change their ways. The government ordered more inspections. Audits were carried out by “pro-worker” nongovernmental organizations based in the wealthy and “civilized” nations. And imperialist powers bluffed and threatened to impose trade restrictions to enforce safety. But workers keep getting killed.

Only workers have an interest in safe working conditions. Only organization and use of union power — including the ability to shut down production — can enforce it. In the absence of workers’ struggle inspectors end up serving as cover for the bosses. That’s why the bosses are not afraid of inspectors or audits. They do fear workers organizing and bringing our collective power to bear.  

 
 
Related articles:
Coal bosses’ drive for profit kills 3 miners in 3 days
On the Picket Line
Bangladesh: Another 7 workers sacrificed on altar of profit
 
 
 
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