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Political exchange, crisis of representation and trade union strategies in a time of austerity

Author

Listed:
  • Sofía Pérez de Guzmán

    (Universidad de Cádiz)

  • Beltrán Roca

    (Universidad de Cádiz)

  • Iban Diaz-Parra

    (Universidad de Buenos Aires)

Abstract

This article analyses the strategy of major Spanish trade unions in the context of economic crisis through the theoretical framework of political exchange. It focuses on a frequently ignored dimension of political exchange, namely the relationship between union leaders and the rank-and-file, which, under certain circumstances, can lead to a crisis of representation. Based on document analysis and semi-structured interviews, this article explores the strategic behaviour of Spanish trade unions and their relationship with the so-called 15M movement. It concludes that the ambiguous strategy of the major unions can be explained, not only as a result of their effort to preserve their institutional power and their political influence in the public sphere, but also as a response to the emergence of the 15M movement, which has made these organizations confront the threat of a crisis of representation.

Suggested Citation

  • Sofía Pérez de Guzmán & Beltrán Roca & Iban Diaz-Parra, 2016. "Political exchange, crisis of representation and trade union strategies in a time of austerity," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 22(4), pages 461-474, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:22:y:2016:i:4:p:461-474
    DOI: 10.1177/1024258916667013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anke Hassel, 2003. "The Politics of Social Pacts," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 41(4), pages 707-726, December.
    2. Maria da Paz Campos Lima & Antonio Martín Artiles, 2011. "Crisis and trade union challenges in Portugal and Spain: between general strikes and social pacts," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 17(3), pages 387-402, August.
    3. Christian Dufour & Adelheid Hege, 2010. "The legitimacy of collective actors and trade union renewal," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 16(3), pages 351-367, August.
    4. repec:ilo:ilowps:483344 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Oscar Molina, 2008. "Social pacts, collective bargaining and trade union articulation strategies," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 14(3), pages 399-418, August.
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