MIA > Archive > Nin > TUs Against Fascism
Since the downfall of the Austrian Empire, there have always been military groups m Austria which aimed at the restoration of the monarchy. Since 1922, under the influence of Italian Fascism, these isolated groups commenced to manifest a more definite character and to co-ordinate; their work. This budding Fascism depends mainly upon state functionaries, ex-officers, students, the unemployed, unorganized workers, and, naturally, hired mercenaries.
The Fascist press is carrying on a campaign of the utmost violence against the revolutionary elements. Sanguinary conflicts have already taken place between Fascisti and workers. When the authorities were called to intervene, they have always shown their partiality for the Fascisti.
The principal Fascist organizations in Austria £re as follows 1. The Tyrolean organization; 2. “The Defenders of the Fatherland” in Solsberg; 3. “The Union fort Defense,” Upper Austria; 4. The Styrlan organization, which is one of the most powerful and possesses all sorts of arms, including artillery; 5. “The Union for Defense of the Fatherland,” at Corinthia; and 6. “The Vanguard” a Vienna. All these organizations are substantially supported by the bourgeoisie and the Government. They are in relationship with the Hungarian Fascist organization.
Fascist trade unionism proper has not yet made its appearance in Austria. There does exist, however, a “Union for the protection of order and economic interests,” which constitutes a suitable foundation for such unions. In the beginning this organization, like the French Civic Union, was merely a strike-breaking organization. But every day it advances further on the offensive. It is constantly carrying on provocation and espionage within the working-class organizations. In order to accomplish this, the union divides workers into three groups, “those worthy of confidence; those unworthy of confidence; and the – dangerous elements.” Naturally, the union supports only those workers who “are worthy of confidence,” that is, those who are ready to betray their class brothers.
Against the other workers, not alone the “dangerous” but even the indifferent, the union meditates implacable persecution. There has not yet been a real Fascist union established; but this organization carries on active recruiting work within the factories. In this work it makes use of certain devoted elements, disguised as workers, just as does German Fascism.
The Austrian proletariat has energetically fought against these attempts to introduce Fascism. The “Union for Republican Defense,” composed of well-armed groups of workers, has been established. In spite of the sabotage of the Social Democrats, this organization now constitutes the best guarantee for the Austrian working class of its safety. One must not forget that the Austrian proletariat, with its 1,500,000 organized workers, is in a position to offer serious resistance to Fascism.
The Fascist movement in Hungary is one of the oldest of its kind. Here we find the essential characteristics of all such movements. It is the petty bourgeoisie of town and country, state employees and officers, who were used by the Hungarian bourgeoisie, after the overthrow of the Hungarian Soviets, to crush the proletariat. The principal organization is the “Awakening Hungarians,” of whom the principal leaders are the anti-Semite and Nationalist-Christians, Gembesch, Eckards, and Wolf. They are in close and continual touch with the Austrian Fascisti.
There are no Fascist trade unions in Hungary, but one would say that Betlen’s Government is doing its best to prepare the road for them. It recently issued a law on labor conflicts and trade unions, which renders the existence of class organizations absolutely impossible. We read in this law, for example, the following: “Every individual has the right of accepting or declining any kind of work within the limits of existing laws and obligations assumed by him.” The expression, “within the limits of the existing laws” surely says enough. This is no question of the liberty of labor, but coercion. This same law attacks unionism, thus favoring the exploitation of the working class. The placing of workers in employment is given to the Government Labor Exchanges, instead of to the unions, as has been the case until now.
Trade union constitutions, under the new law, must be approved by the Ministry of the Interior. “In the interests of public order,” the minister may forbid unions from commencing to function before this approval be granted. No one under t8 years of age is allowed to join a union. Thus they endeavor to protect the working class youth from revolutionary infection. The unions are forbidden to receive any monies except those in the form of regular dues. Any trade union body may be dissolved if the authorities consider that it is not complying with any portion of this law. They go even farther; every time a trade union committee, according to the opinion of the police, is not fulfilling the provisions of this law, a representative of the Government may be delegated to attend their meetings. Members under 21 years of age are not permitted to vote. Any member of a union may demand of the Ministry of the Interior, the cancellation of any resolution taken by a union meeting.
A union is responsible for any damage occurring to a third party in periods of conflict. In virtue of this provision, after every strike a union may be sentenced to pay heavy damages. Unions must render an account of their activities to the authorities and, on demand, must furnish them with a list of their members.
The police have the right of entering union headquarters at any time, to be present at committee meetings, to supervise the account, documents and correspondence. The Minister of the Interior may start an action against any union, if he so thinks fit. and even may designate a temporary Executive Committee to take the place of the regular one. Besides this, the minister has the right of dissolving any union, at any time he may think it necessary.
It is obvious that no class organization could comply with the various conditions of this law. Thus it is favorable to the formation of Fascist unions which, naturally, will willingly submit to these various measures. The law is directed toward the end of destroying the genuine trade unions and establishing Fascist unions in their stead.
Last updated on 20 January 2023