Workers Power is a revolutionary communist organisation fighting to turn resistance to capitalism into a struggle for working-class power and international socialism.
Britain is one of the richest countries in the world, yet millions struggle to pay the rent, heat their homes or get the healthcare they need. Wealth piles up at the top while wages and public services are squeezed. Governments change, but the banks, corporations, media owners and unelected institutions of the state retain their power.
Strikes, Palestine solidarity and protests against racism, war and environmental destruction can win important gains. But capitalism cannot be defeated by protest or elections alone. The working class needs its own political organisation, programme and leadership, capable of uniting these struggles into a challenge to capitalist rule.
Who we are
We have branches in several cities, with members active in workplaces, trade unions, student organisations and campaigns including Palestine solidarity and the fight against the far right.
We publish the Workers Power magazine and this website, as well as books and pamphlets through our publishing house, Prinkipo. We organise political education, public meetings and an annual summer camp.
We are a small organisation. We do not pretend to be the revolutionary party the working class needs, or claim to lead struggles in which our forces play only a modest role. Our aim is to build an organisation that can contribute to the creation of such a party.
What we stand for
Capitalism depends on the labour of millions of workers in hospitals, schools, offices, shops, transport, logistics, construction, manufacturing and across the economy. This gives the working class the collective power to stop production and challenge capitalist control of society.
We fight for better pay, secure jobs, affordable housing, public services, democratic rights, action against climate change and liberation from oppression. We support reforms that improve working-class lives, while arguing that lasting change requires a struggle against capitalist ownership and power. That means building rank-and-file control in the trade unions, fighting racism, sexism and every division within the working class, and seeking common action with others without giving up our own politics.
Socialism cannot simply be voted into existence. Capitalist rule rests on ownership of the economy and the institutions of the state. It will take a revolutionary working-class movement to replace that power with democratic institutions of its own.
Our members debate and decide our politics, elect the leadership and carry out agreed decisions collectively. Membership means taking part in a branch, political education and activity in workplaces, unions, campaigns and the work of the organisation.
Our origins
Workers Power emerged from struggles inside the International Socialists in the mid-1970s over revolutionary programme and organisation, rank-and-file power and solidarity with the Irish struggle against British imperialism.
Our members have helped initiate broader movements including Anti-Fascist Action, No Sweat and the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, which played an important role in the 2010 student rebellion.
Today we intervene in strikes and campaigns, producing political material and arguing for solidarity, coordination and working-class self-organisation. Our aim is to contribute revolutionary politics and practical organisation while building stronger forces for the future.
An international struggle
Capitalism is a world system, and socialism cannot be built in one country alone. We oppose British imperialism while refusing political support to rival capitalist powers. We defend oppressed peoples’ right to resist, while maintaining the political independence of the working class from nationalist leaders and repressive states. Our allies are workers and the oppressed internationally, not the rulers who claim to speak in their name.
Workers Power is part of the International Socialist League, an international revolutionary organisation bringing together socialist organisations across several continents.
Organise with us
The ruling class has its companies, parties, media, state institutions and international alliances. We need organisation too.
If you agree that capitalism must be replaced by socialism, that the working class has the power to achieve it, and that this requires a revolutionary political organisation, then organise with us.
- Read more about where we stand and our programme for working-class action.
- Read the programme of the International Socialist League.
- Subscribe to our magazine and newsletter.
- Make a contribution to our fighting fund.