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Management, the state and union-weakening practices in Chile: A case study approach of the dual and ambivalent role of the state in a process of democratisation

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  • Daina Bellido de Luna

Abstract

The article analyses a range of union-weakening practices developed in three Chilean workplaces. The findings suggest the existence of an ambivalent employment relationship between employers and trade unions where an ongoing informal labour–management partnership simultaneously coexisted with de-collectivising strategies. The article argues that the Chilean state has aided employers in the implementation of such union-weakening practices through the labour legislation. Sixty-nine semi-structured interviews with trade union leaders, human resource managers and field experts inform this research. The legacy of previous forms of state intervention that countered the processes of democratisation is found to be essential in the use of de-collectivisation.

Suggested Citation

  • Daina Bellido de Luna, 2022. "Management, the state and union-weakening practices in Chile: A case study approach of the dual and ambivalent role of the state in a process of democratisation," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 43(3), pages 1143-1163, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:43:y:2022:i:3:p:1143-1163
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X20975477
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Logan, 2006. "The Union Avoidance Industry in the United States," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 44(4), pages 651-675, December.
    2. Tony Dundon & Brian Harney & Niall Cullinane, 2010. "De-collectivism and managerial ideology: towards an understanding of trade union opposition," International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 4(3/4), pages 267-281.
    3. Raimundo Soto & Arístides Torche, 2004. "Spatial Inequality, Migration and Economic Growth in Chile," Latin American Journal of Economics-formerly Cuadernos de Economía, Instituto de Economía. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile., vol. 41(124), pages 401-424.
    4. Eleanor Kirk, 2018. "The (re)organisation of conflict at work: Mobilisation, counter-mobilisation and the displacement of grievance expressions," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 39(4), pages 639-660, November.
    5. Ffrench-Davis Ricardo, 2010. "Latin America: The Structural Fiscal Balance Policy in Chile: A Move Toward Counter-Cyclical Macroeconomics," Journal of Globalization and Development, De Gruyter, vol. 1(1), pages 1-16, January.
    6. Dante Contreras, 2003. "Poverty and Inequality in a Rapid Growth Economy: Chile 1990-96," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(3), pages 181-200.
    7. David Beale & Stephen Mustchin, 2014. "The bitter recent history of employee involvement at Royal Mail: An aggressive management agenda versus resilient workplace unionism," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 35(2), pages 289-308, May.
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    1. Daina Bellido de Luna, 2026. "Regulatory influence on the overall quality of platform work: Lessons from the Chilean context," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 47(1), pages 196-217, February.

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