CF Editorial
September 4th, 2008

Common Front takes its name from the Front Commun that organized the Québec General Strike of 1972. We are an organization dedicated to social change based in the principles of anti-capitalism and union solidarity. We believe that the social problems we are facing (deteriorating education system, healthcare and social programs, racism, sexism, poverty, etc…) are problems which cannot be solved through individual action. They are social problems that need to be fought through collective organization.

Thus, the purpose of Common Front is to bring together members of trade unions, student unions, public service unions, and unorganized workers as well, in an effort to coordinate the struggles that have so far been fought separately.

Our methods of work are:

1. Mass action
Instead of back-room dealings and lobbying, we believe in mobilizing fellow students and workers, not only to push forward our demands but also to empower us so that we are aware of our immense power to change society – and win.

2. For Unified and Democratic Workers’ Unions and Students’ Unions
Unions are the organizations of both students and workers which exist to fight for our interests: better working conditions, free accessible quality education, fighting against any kind of discrimination (racism, sexism, etc…) and so on. They are social organizations born out of social struggle. However, unions are only as good as their members and thus we need to intervene in them to make sure that they stay true to their function: to serve the interests of workers and students. Common Front does not believe in dividing workers, students, or any other movement by setting up rival organizations. A strong, unified movement to change society must be formed by workers and students ourselves, through the unions and associations which we fought to build.

3. Day-to-day Struggle
While we believe that the solution to the social illness we are facing is beyond capitalism, it doesn’t exclude us from fighting for small reforms within the system. Common Front believes in the day-to-day struggles (for example, against the $1 million cut in bursaries in Concordia, for the $10 minimum wage, etc…) because these struggles will strengthen us in our self-confidence and teach us how to fight, and always with the perspective of doing away with capitalism once and for all.

So, if you are unhappy with the way our society is, if you are working your way through school, have a student loan debt you’ll never be able to pay off, dealing with low wages, harassment and impossible demands from the boss, there are plenty of people like you. You go to school with them, and you work with them. By taking out a Common Front membership for $2 a year, we can all build this organization, and unite to win against these attacks.

Join us in Common Front! Together we are strong!

*Picture: The Hand That Will Rule The World-One Big Union. June 30, 1917