The Tolpudddle Martyrs are generally considered as the founders of British trade unionism.

TRADE UNIONISTS will be aware that yesterday was 1st May.   Traditionally Spring festivals are held on this day.  However, it also marks an important day in the Trade Union calendar as ordinary workers take to the streets to celebrate International Workers’ Day.  Sadly, this year these celebrations were significantly muted due to Covid-19.  

Despite the ‘leftist’ origins of International Workers’ Day (the 1st May was chosen in 1889 for political reasons by the Marxist International Socialist Congress) we National Liberal Trade Unionists – NLTU – are more than happy to recognise & celebrate May Day.  

Some people may find this odd, given that the NLTU rejects socialism (as well as capitalism).  

We also have a slightly different take on class.  Here, we feel that it’s ridiculous to view and/or judge individuals solely in terms of percieved class.  This ‘be all and end all’ view is fairly restrictive.  Most importantly, it doesn’t take into account the nature & character of different people – irrespective of what their personal wealth is or what accent they speak with.  

With the above in mind, we find it slightly bizare – and completely hypocritical – that some on the ‘left’ absolutely hate those who have more money than they do, or speak with a ‘cut glass’ accent.  At the same time, they would (rightly) oppose anyone who hated others simply because of the colour of their skin, religion, sexuality or whatever.  To some extent, we’re all ‘accidents of birth’ and have no control over certain distinguishing features.  So why do the left entertain these double standards?  

National Liberal Trade Unionists also celebrate May Day because, in the past, there’s been a strong liberal tradition within trade unionism.  Also, we find it useful to study early socialists & non-socialists – particularly those who were patriotic in outlook.  The NLTU feels that it can draw inspiration from the struggles of others.  

With the above in mind, we’ll be looking at the Tolpudddle Martyrs, generally accepted as the founders of British trade unionism.  We’ll also examine early socialist pioneers like Robert ‘Bob’ Blatchford, Keir Hardie & William Morris.  Social reformers like William Cobbett & John Ruskin are also of great interest.   

It’s important to note that none of these figures will be placed on a pedestal, so to speak.  However, we do regard them as a ‘point of reference’ in that they did – or said – things that are of great interest to the NLTU.  

We mentioned earlier the tradition of liberal trade unionism and trade unionists.  Few people – including many trade unionists – will be aware of this.  That’s not surprising as this tradition hasn’t really been evident for years now.  However, that’s no reason to self-censor ourselves and ignore it.  On the contrary, we need to re-kindle & re-build this tradition.   

Whilst this may appear to be a daunting thought, the NLTU feels that it’s possible to promote this ‘alternative’ form of trade unionism.  For instance, we’re aware of many ordinary working folks who’re sick & tired of what they perceive to be modern day trade union double-standards – such as the huge salaries pocketed by many top officials.  Others are fed up with local officials who claim to be on trade union business when in fact they appear to be on ‘jollies’.  Still more workers are tired of listening to those trade unionists who appear to be on some sort of power trip.  

With all of the above in mind, why not learn more about the National Liberal Trade Unionist?  Check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/277840098977231

.

.

SINCE OUR last article – which focussed on the Ainu People – a lot has happened.

.

As many readers will know, we were producing this series of articles to help promote a political campaign launched by our friends & comrades in the National Liberal Party. The idea was to run a list of up to 25 candidates – who would be standing under the slogan ofSelf-Determination For All! – in the Greater London Authority election.

.

However, as probably everyone now knows, mid-way through last month the government made the decision to cancel all elections due to the Corona virus. The GLA election was due to be held on 7th May but has now been rescheduled for May of next year.

.

Prior to the cancellation, the National Liberal Party (NLP) had 13 confirmed candidates in place to fight the GLA election. These candidates represented the Tamil, Southern Cameroon, Awazi, Sikh & South Azerbaijan communities.

.

Nations without States is extremely happy that someone from the Awazi community has come forward. And we’re hoping that our previous call for people to come forward to representAboriginal Australians, Aché &Ainu peoplewill be answered in due course.

.

So who are theAhwazi People? Where do they come from – and why do they want self-determination?

.

TheAhwaziPeople, sometimes referred to asAhwazi Arabs or Iranian Arabs, mainly live inKhuzestan Province which is in the South West of Iran and borders Iraq and the Persian Gulf. It was an independent state until 1925.

They are of Arab descent & form around 2% of Iran’s population – about 1.6 million people. The Ahawazi call Khuzestan Province as Ahwaz (and perhaps significantly, Khuzestan produces around 70% of Iran’s crude oil and contains most of Iran’s oil field, which constitutes the majority of its revenue).

.

At 1,648,195 km² (636,372 square miles) Iran is the second largest country in the Middle East. It has a population of 83 million and its capital is Tehran. Here 8.8 million people reside in the city and the larger metropolitan area has a population of 15 million. Iran is still known as Persia by many people.

.

Many Ahwazi People claim that they face discrimination & marginalisation by the Iranian authorities in the areas of politics, employment and culture. Due to rampant unemployment, which stands at about 40%, Ahwazi children tend to give up their education in an effort to find a job – any job – that will help them support their families.

.

This article –https://www.rojikurd.net/en/2017/07/02/ahwazi-arab-people-in-al-ahwaz/ – which appears on a Kurdish information site, features some interesting information about the Ahwazi People (although it goes without saying that there is not official link between it and NwS).

.

Human Rights activists inAhwaz have made numerous allegations against the Iranian establishment. These include the widespread and excessive use of violence – arbitrary arrests, torture, deportation and the destruction of private property – of those who desire some form of self-determination.

.

As we noted in our introduction, our friends & comrades of the National Liberal Party has at least one representative of the Ahwazi People who is willing to bring the plight of their people to the attention of London’s electorate.

.

The cancellation of the GLA elections until next year gives time for more to come forward – as well as representatives of other ethnic & indigenous groups from the Middle East. This would be a great opportunity to make a small (but vital) step in trying to solve the problems of what must be one of the most troubled areas of the world.

.

Therefore, Nations without States would urge anyone who wants to make a stand for Self-Determination to contact the National Liberal Party as soon as possible – simply e-mail natliberal@aol.com

Don’t delay – act today! Self-Determination For All!

.

• ALSO check out

.

From The Liberty Wall – Nations without States – Calling AllAborigines…http://nationalliberal.org/from-the-liberty-wall-–-nations-without-states-–-calling-all-aborigines-…

.

From The Liberty Wall – Nations without States – Calling AllAché People … http://nationalliberal.org/from-the-liberty-wall-–-nations-without-states-–-calling-allache-people-…

.

.From The Liberty Wall – Nations without States – Calling AllAinu People… http://nationalliberal.org/from-the-liberty-wall-–-nations-without-states-–-calling-allainu-people