Free Union
Vrije Bond
Founded1990
Split fromBusiness organisation Collective Sector (BCS), Independent Union of Business Organisations (OVB)[1]
NewspaperOutside the Order
IdeologyAnarchism
Political positionFar-Left
ColoursRed Black
Slogan"Anarchist self-organization"
Website
www.vrijebond.org

The Free Union[2] or Free League[3] (Dutch: Vrije Bond) is an anarchist organisation in the Netherlands and Belgium that was founded in 1990.[4] The Free Union originated from the Business organization Collective Sector (BCS) and the Independent Union of Business Organizations (OVB) in the 1980s.[1][5]

Ideology

When the Free Union was founded, it initially presented itself as "the base organization for self-management and syndicalism", but has recently become less syndicalist and now presents itself as an anarchist organization. In its own words, the Vrije Bond strives for "an anarchist society in which a person can determine how to organize life."[6] The Free Union aims at the abolition of social classes, borders, the state, and other social relations they deem oppressive. The Free Union advocates equality between people, the autonomy of the individual, and self-management and self-governance. Additionally, the Free Union is an ecological organisation and advocates a "good environment and vital nature."[6]

The Free Union is an internationalist organisation, and therefore maintains relations with global anarchist groups and federations.[6]

Structure

The Free Union is based on equal participation and consequently every member is allowed to participate in the decision-making process. The Free Union consists of individual members and constituent autonomous groups. There are Free Union groups in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Nijmegen, Antwerp and Ghent.[7] The Vrije Bond and affiliated groups have several hundred members and govern themselves using participatory democracy.

The Free Union was an observer member of the International of Anarchist Federations. The Free Union cooperates, maintains relations with, or operates alongside various other far-left grassroots organisations such as the Anarcho-Syndicalist Union (ASB), Doorbraak (Breakthrough), the International Communist Current, the Union of Polish Syndicalists[8] and the German Free Workers' Union,[9] as well as occasionally the International Socialists despite an ambivalent relation.

Activities

The Free Union uses direct action to further their goals.[10] The Free Union is involved in issues such as ecology, migration, and workplace conflicts.[8][11] The Vrije Bond organize among local, immigrant, and foreign workers. They also organize workshops, libraries and picket lines, and publish a periodical called Buiten de Orde (Outside the Order).[4]

In September 2011, the Free Union [12] organized a demonstration against the policies of the First Rutte cabinet that attracted 1500 people.[13]

On March 31, 2012, the Free Union participated in the "European action day against capitalism" with a demonstration in Utrecht that mobilized several hundred people.[14][15]

During the 2012 Dutch general election, an 'anti-election campaign' was initiated by the Free Union.[16][17]

The Free Union also participates in the annual May Day and Pinksterlanddagen celebrations.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Does the Free Union have a future? Archived 2010-06-21 at the Wayback Machine, Ravage , no. 15, November 21, 2003
  2. ↑ "Miscellaneous Syndicalist, Anarchist or Libertarian Organisations". Archived from the original on 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
  3. ↑ "Anarchist Organizations and Unions of the World". Archived from the original on 2011-05-14. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
  4. 1 2 "Leftist Parties of the Netherlands". Archived from the original on 2012-10-02. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
  5. ↑ "About the Vrije Bond". Vrije Bond. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  6. 1 2 3 Principles Archived 2013-05-03 at the Wayback Machine, Free Union
  7. ↑ Groups, Vrije Bond
  8. 1 2 "Actions in Defense of Workers' Rights in OTTO Work Force Temporary Agency | libcom.org". Archived from the original on 2013-01-10. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
  9. ↑ "FAU-IAA : Vrije Bond und FAU auf der Demonstration in Genk". Archived from the original on 2012-11-22. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
  10. ↑ Annemarie Kas, December 6, 2010, nrc.next Archived 2011-02-07 at the Wayback Machine and libcom.org/ Archived 2013-01-10 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ↑ "Solidair met de postbode? Vergeet de postcode « Nieuwsblog nrc.next". Archived from the original on 2011-02-07. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
  12. ↑ Streetrave "party for freedom" Archived 2020-06-24 at the Wayback Machine, Anarchist Collective Utrecht
  13. ↑ 'Party for Freedom' went smoothly, DNU.nu
  14. ↑ Left demonstration went smoothly, DNU.nu, 31 March 2012
  15. ↑ Successful demonstration against capitalism and for international solidarity Archived 2013-11-05 at the Wayback Machine, Vrije Bond, 4 April 2012
  16. ↑ Parliamentary elections. Voting, yes or no: a false choice! Archived 2020-06-24 at the Wayback Machine, International Communist Movement
  17. ↑ Join campaign 'Displeased'!, Vrije Bond, August 12, 2012
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