I’m sorry if anyone feels that I was berating Nick. That was not my intention. My questions about union leadership were really for all radicals. Nick’s name was there because of the post this thread is on. Also Nick is part of the Workers Party, which has experienced activists and radical academics (unless they have been expelled for being to arid or abstract) that could work on the issue of the modern union bureaucracy. Then it wouldn’t take much time away from a “busy socialist union activists” and their important work of taking about Paul Tolich in union press releases for no reason other than their own ego.

My Questions were not for the workers, they were for radicals that want to engage with workers. If I were to engage with the rank and file of the Tramways Union I would of course put my radical agitation in a much more concrete form, just as I do when I engage with the workers at my own work.
Just to let you know where I’m coming from, the issue of union leadership is a hot topic on the floor of my work place because they have always sold the workers out and are about to do it again (union bureaucrats are total scum).
Back to my questions, I’m sorry if the were to abstract and I think you have a point. It is more an issue of my poor writing skill than me being an elitist academic (can I have you for a CV referee?). But two points, 1) It would not be hard to give those questions a more concrete form. 2) Often radicals will have to look at elements of capitalisms in abstract ways (Marx’s sure did).

Radical action needs radical theory and vice-versa.

I just want to say I support the Bus drivers 100% and I will try to mobilise as many people from my work place as possible in support of any action they take. Nick should not hesitate to contact me for any cross union support.

Stephen