From the Workplace: A Collection of Worker Writing

Notes from Below #13

by Notes from Below

The pieces contained in this issue come from a variety of industries, from call centres to kitchens, courier bikes to warehouses, classrooms to online platforms, bars, supermarkets, and editorial offices, they also underline striking similarities in the organisation and experience of work today. Exploitation, insecurity, surveillance and isolation are themes that repeatedly appear in the contributor’s accounts, as do deep contempt for managers and companies that impose these conditions.

These inquiries provide vital insights into the working of capitalism today. These are insights that can only be generated from the workers perspective. Workers’ experience matters. It is the raw material of class struggle. It provides maps and tools to get us out of the current crisis. It is the basis for taking successful action. Beyond that, it begins charting the possibility of other ways to run society. As we have quoted many times in Notes from Below before: there can be no politics without inquiry!

Each piece is written by a worker, supported by a grant from the Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust.

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of worker writings on working and organising during the first part of the COVID-19 text. This collection presents a good step forward into inquiring into our current situation and laying the groundwork for going beyond it. Particularly enjoyed the texts by the teaching assistants, the bartenders and the security guard.