WHEREVER WORKERS’ CONTROL PASSES, THE WIND OF SOCIALIST DEMOCRACY MUST BLOW
Ilir Pani and the innovators of the “Dajti” transport machinery enterprise are preparing many things to make the work of the country’s railways easier. They prefer the participation of workers’ control, but not in a formal way, because in their view the time for workers’ control organized by order has passed. J. Lulja, caught on camera by our photo reporter. The continuous improvement of the methods of workers’ control, a result of the strengthening of socialist democracy in our country, has made it more effective at every link and sector of the people’s economy. In general, workers’ control has also brought to light a number of shortcomings in the leading bodies. But in not a few cases, in the name of protecting the interests of the country’s economy, it has been shut out by various managers. That is, by those who themselves have either failed to meet the enterprise plan targets they manage, or who on the other hand have not properly seen, through the eyes of the people, the problems troubling workers. This must come to an end. Ilir Pani and the innovators of the “Dajti” transport machinery enterprise are preparing many things to make the work of the country’s railways easier. They prefer the participation of workers’ control, but not in a formal way, because in their view the time for workers’ control organized by order has passed. The continuous improvement of the methods of workers’ control, a result of the strengthening of socialist democracy in our country, has made it more effective at every link and sector of the people’s economy. In general, workers’ control has also brought to light a number of shortcomings in the leading bodies. But in not a few cases, in the name of protecting the interests of the country’s economy, it has been shut out by various managers. That is, by those who themselves have either failed to meet the enterprise plan targets they manage, or who on the other hand have not properly seen, through the eyes of the people, the problems troubling workers. This must come to an end. In the “D-10” zone of the mechanical plant of the “Korça” knitwear factory, external workers’ control has never been planned as a possibility. However, recently it has become clear there that such a thing is necessary. The zone’s managers are not managing to solve a series of problems, such as the mismatch between work organization and the pace of supply of raw materials, delays in repairs, etc. These affect quality and production. Some workers look with suspicion at controls done “just for show,” while others call for workers’ control with full powers, over anyone and everything. Inspections organized with advance notice, ready-made itineraries and official “companions” lose their meaning. They turn into an ineffective formality, while real problems remain. Today more than ever, workers’ control must be free to enter every section, speak with every worker, take any necessary document and demand accountability wherever there are violations of socialist discipline and legality. Only in this way will it blow the wind of socialist democracy. The leading bodies and the party committees must support this control, not hinder it. Experience shows that where workers’ control has been treated as a powerful means of mass participation in management, many problems have been solved. Where it has been restricted, delayed or viewed with distrust, difficulties have increased. If we want to move forward at a faster pace in democratizing our economic and social life, we must open the doors without hesitation to workers’ control. (Continued on page 2)