(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
LO in Oslo was among those who invited Christos Giovanopoulos to Norway at the end of August. They have already allocated money – and conducted information work about the work – to "Solidarity for all". Fellesforbundet also allocated 50 kroner at its last congress, and Giovanopoulos also visited them.
LO Oslo's goal with the invitation of Giovanopoulos was to try to achieve a more permanent and broader solidarity work from the trade union movement in Norway. Norway's social forum, Attac and other communities of solidarity that might be of interest were also invited. The measure must be party-political independent in both Norway and Greece. The support will go directly to the self-organizing movement in Greece and to the specific projects they run.
Several contributors. According to the head of LO Oslo Roy Pedersen, the result was very encouraging.
“Giovanopoulos met people from several unions when he was here, all of whom were interested in following up. Trade unionists who did not have the opportunity to attend the meetings have also provided positive feedback, and we hope to get more of these to support the initiative. Both Attac Norway and Norway's social forum are joining, and the Greek Association of Norway has also said that they look very favorably on this. ”
How are you going to contribute?
«We will launch a fundraising campaign to provide financial assistance. The Greeks themselves will be responsible for the training activities at the job training centers and the running of the other activities they start. Since this is organized locally, participants will stay at home. But there will be a need for support for local leasing for training and production halls, procurement of tools and materials, transport services and so on. ”
Do you just have to raise money?
“We will also conduct information work on the projects we support and how they work socially and politically in Greece. We will also disseminate information on developments in Greece, without addressing the party political struggle there. Ultimately, organizations and environments in Norway must do so at their own expense, not on behalf of our solidarity campaign. ”
Calls in the water. Are there only organizations that can contribute money or other support?
"No, individuals can also contribute, both with money and by visiting the Greek solidarity movement. The fact that more people are going down and gaining insight into the work that is being done is positive for both the Greeks and us here in Norway. We will be helpful in making contacts. "
How can we be sure that the money reaches the right person and is used as promised?
«Report and accounts for the use of the money we collect will be given to all contributors. And our accounts will be subject to the audit of the trade union that takes responsibility for our finances. "
The LO Oslo leader concludes by encouraging organizations and associations nationally and locally to support the initiative.
"We who are starting this do not see ourselves as a closed company, and we hope the support work of the hard-pressed Greeks can spread like rings in the water."
Read the main issue here: Grassroots in English
