HOME
your socialist home on the internet
ABOUT US
who we are, our politics, and what we do
GET ACTIVE!
joining ysa, getting active locally, making a difference
NEWS & VIEWS
articles, fliers, statements and opinions
THEORY
what is socialism, reading lists and study guides
CONTACT US
our email, snail mail, phone number and club directory
LINKS
socialist, youth, activist, labor, feminist, anti-racist, and other important sites
WHAT'S NEW
listing of what's been recently added
ysa in france
In late July, four members of Socialist Action participated in a
demonstration against the Danone-owned LU factory that produces snack foods
in France. Workers are protesting the LU announcement that it is laying off
816 workers despite recording a profit of 8.7%. The layoffs at LU were part
of thousands of announced layoffs by several companies including Marks &
Spencer, Michelin, AOM, among others. On May 25th 20,000 workers
demonstrated in Northern France and on June 9th some 30,000 marched in Paris protesting the announced layoffs.
On July 29th, LU workers staged a protest at the popular Tour de France.
Trade Unions in France had arranged for workers to ride bicycles on the
final 6 miles of the Tour de France about an hour before the actual Tour
cyclists rode through the last leg of the race. The Socialist Action
members joined some 200 workers, including members of the French Trostskist
groups Workers Struggle and the Revolutionary Communist League, with whom
Socialist Action maintains fraternal relations with. The workers held
banners and chanted slogans as crowds gathered along the road cheered them
on. Protesters passed out leaflets encouraging their fellow workers to
observe a boycott called by LU employees.
The four members were on a summer trip to meet Trotskists and class fighters in Europe. This showcase of workers solidarity was inspiring for the SA political tourists and was a highlight of their trip.
The article above was written by Chicago YSAer Dave Bernt.
