Workers' Control versus "Revolutionary" Theory

Abstract

Under the title "Workers' Control and Revolutionary Theory" (Socialist Register, 1974) Richard Hyman has written "an appraisal of the publications of the Institute for Workers' Control". The judgment is critical, but Richard Hyman states that he is "conscious that this appraisal demands to be fraternal as well as critical"; and it is in that spirit that this reply is offered. "Forthright criticism of those aspects of the IWC analysis which appear incomplete or inadequate can only benefit the further development of the theory and practice of the workers' control movement": so writes Hyman at the beginning of his evaluation; and we concur. We are happy to have the opportunity of this reply in The Socialist Register to attempt to clarify some of the issues which he has raised.