‘Political activism’ is not a choice’, ‘in our founding rules this union commits to the political arm of the industrial struggle’ – union’s most senior Irish officer talks of class struggle and the need for unity and political involvement
Ogle, Unite’s most senior Irish officer, has been the target of what locals say is a London-driven political attack in an attempt to coerce him into a demotion and a sidelined job 100 miles or so from his usual base after his return from successful cancer treatment. The move has seen branches write to general secretary Sharon Graham demanding Ogle’s return to his normal duties, Irish politicians express their condemnation – and even one of the union’s big sectors start moves to disaffiliate entirely from Unite. The union continues to deny the allegations.
Yesterday, he spoke to Unite’s Irish conference on the need for unity, the importance of the class struggle – and the union’s absolute obligation to engage in ‘the political arm of the industrial struggle’ – an approach somewhat at odds with the UK union’s current push to peel away from a wider political role. His nine-minute speech received a huge ovation, with many standing to applaud:
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