08.05.2002
ISO defies Tsvangirai
On May Day 6,000 workers gathered in Harare's Gwanzura stadium to listen to speeches from trade union leaders, Movement for Democratic Change officials and Munyaradzi Gwisai, an MDC MP who is also a leader of the International Socialist Organisation. Comrade Gwisai called for mass demonstrations around the Labour Bill that comes before parliament this month. He demanded an end to talks between the MDC - set up by the trade unions, but now under the control of the pro-imperialist neoliberals - and Robert Mugabe's anti-working class Zanu-PF. Speakers argued that the only way forward was to take on Mugabe in the streets. MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai had demanded that comrade Gwisai, who is threatened with expulsion from the party, be removed from the platform, but, faced with a substantial section of the crowd who insisted he be allowed to speak, officials were unable to enforce Tsvangirai's wishes. MDC offices from Gweru to Mutare have come out against moves to expel comrade Gwisai. In Bulawayo 5,000 workers gave a rousing welcome to student leader Briggs Bomba of the ISO when he addressed a rally in the White City stadium.
Worker