Note from the Editors: Classconscious.org is publishing a series of articles and documents relating to the break of Shuvu Batta and Peter Ross from the SEP. The crux of this break was over the issue of revolutionary work within trade unions.
Based on the writings of Trotsky and Lenin we disagree with the ICFI’s position that workers must break with trade unions and form a network of new “rank and file committees”. (Read our position on Trade Union work here). It is only through and open and robust discussion that scientific socialism, ie Marxism has developed in the past. We invite anyone who disagrees with this position or has something to add to this debate to consider submitting an article to classconscious.org
These documents were first published on Permanent Revolution and have been republished here with permission of the authors.
Lead article:
In the wake of the union defeat at Bessemer an expelled SEP member speaks out – by Shuvu Batta and Peter Ross
See also:
Ancillary documents for article ‘In the wake of the union defeat at Bessemer expelled SEP members speak out
Once Again on the Question of Trade Unions and the Tasks of the Party – by Comrade C
The following are the ancilliary documents for the article In the wake of the union defeat at Bessemer expelled SEP members speak out. The documents were first published on Permanent Revolution and have been reproduced here with permission of Shuvu Batta and Peter Ross.
Documents related to the expulsion of SEP member Shuvu Batta from New York Branch
Document written by “Comrade C“: Once again on the question of the Trade Unions and the tasks of the party.
January 18th 2021 : Shuvu Batta’s initial letter to the leadership of the New York SEP Branch.
January 28th 2021: Response of the New York SEP Branch to Shuvu Batta
January 29: My Defense and a critique of the ICFI’s Practice by Shuvu Batta
February 21: Notice of disciplinary action by the NY Branch
February 23: My Defense of Democratic Centralism and a Critique of Sectarian Politics by Shuvu
February 27: Notice of expulsion by the NY Branch
April 2nd: Joseph Kishore letter to SEP members on Shuvu’s NPR appearance.
Documents related to the ending of the provisional SEP membership of Peter Ross from the Los Angeles Branch
February 5: Letter to Peter Ross
March 19: Statement to the SEP National Aggregate by Peter Ross
March 23: Reply to Marc from Peter Ross
March 26: David North and Joseph Kishore letter on behalf of SEP Political Committee to Peter Ross
April 23: Comments on David North and Joseph Kishore’s Letter by Peter Ross
