Socialism can only be achieved through the self‑emancipation of the working class — “socialism from below.” This principle is inseparable from the rank‑and‑file strategy, which emphasizes the central role of ordinary workers in the labour movement.
Socialism from below insists that workers must lead their own struggles. Rooted in Marxist principles, it highlights:
• The collective liberation of the working class.
• Radical democracy within trade unions and workplaces.
• The workplace as the central site of struggle.
• Strikes as a weapon to disrupt capitalist profits.
Through collective action, workers gain confidence, laying the foundation for mass uprisings and ultimately socialism — a free and democratic association of producers.
Centrality of the Workplace
The workplace is strategic for building collective action and workers’ power. Workers are essential to production, and workplaces bring together diverse groups, creating opportunities for solidarity. While capitalism fosters divisions, collective struggles can overcome them. Trade union struggles often extend beyond wages to broader social issues such as fuel prices, healthcare, education, and housing.
Working‑Class Consciousness
Workers’ consciousness develops unevenly. Broadly, three layers exist: passive members, militant activists, and the labour bureaucracy. Struggles are episodic; workers do not engage continuously. Radical ideas can mobilize small groups, but widespread shifts in consciousness occur through collective struggle. Reformism, especially among union leadership, remains a persistent challenge.
The Role of Unions
Trade unions are vital for defending workers’ rights and nurturing class consciousness. They provide platforms for collective organization and political self‑activity. Yet union officers often prioritize stability over militancy, creating tension between leaders and rank‑and‑file members. Strong unions are necessary, but they must be democratized from below.
The Rank‑and‑File Strategy
The rank‑and‑file strategy emphasizes the power of ordinary workers. It advocates independent collective action, stronger connections between socialists and the labour movement, and the development of militant minorities within unions and workplaces to lead struggles. Recent examples include the Federal Workers Forum in Nigeria, which has mobilized thousands through social media and protests in Abuja and Ibadan. The Elegant Nurses Forum is another initiative. More emphasis, however, must be placed on organizing within existing trade unions.
Challenges and the Future
The labour movement today is weaker, dominated by top‑down unions and unsuccessful reformist parties. The rank‑and‑file strategy must therefore focus on democratizing unions through grassroots organization. Transitional politics are essential — linking immediate worker demands to broader socialist goals.
Despite frequent major strikes, especially in the public sector, union membership in private and informal sectors remains low. Even large strikes, such as those of ASUU and JOHESU, were largely passive. Consequently, the real value of wages has fallen sharply over the last 25 years.
To reverse this decline, rank‑and‑file organizations must be revitalized. Bottom‑up, democratic trade unions are essential. The ultimate goal is to link labour struggles to broader socialist movements, fostering political independence from capitalist parties like the APC and PDP.
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