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Rethinking the Labour Movement in the 'New South Africa'

Understanding unions' evolution in the post-apartheid era

Franco Barchiesi author Tom Bramble editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:11th Nov '19

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Rethinking the Labour Movement in the 'New South Africa' cover

This book examines the evolution and challenges faced by South African unions since the end of apartheid, particularly in the political landscape. Rethinking the Labour Movement in the 'New South Africa' sheds light on their resilience.

First published in 2003, Rethinking the Labour Movement in the 'New South Africa' explores the evolution of labor unions in South Africa post-apartheid. Following the ANC Government's election in 1994, unions were granted significant legal and constitutional rights, marking a pivotal shift in their operational landscape. This newfound power, however, has not shielded them from emerging challenges, many of which arise from their political allies within the government itself.

As the narrative unfolds, Rethinking the Labour Movement in the 'New South Africa' delves into the complexities faced by these unions, highlighting the threats that have surfaced in both political and industrial arenas. From the halls of Parliament to the factory floor, the unions are navigating a landscape fraught with dangers reminiscent of their struggles during apartheid. The book meticulously examines how these organizations are adapting to the current socio-political climate and the strategies they are employing to safeguard their interests.

Ultimately, this work aims to provide insights into the preparedness of South African unions to tackle the multifaceted challenges of the new millennium. By analyzing their responses and resilience, Rethinking the Labour Movement in the 'New South Africa' contributes to a deeper understanding of the labor movement's role in shaping the future of South Africa's socio-economic landscape.

'Bramble and Barchiesi have gathered the toughest contemporary critiques and auto-critiques of the South African labour movement, and contextualised these in a manner that no scholar or activist interested in post-apartheid political economy dare ignore. It's a remarkable collection, which takes forward our knowledge in many ways, and with great eloquence, depth and passion.' Professor Patrick Bond, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa 'This book brings together an excellent collection of critical appraisals of the labour movement in the new South Africa. It is a timely collection, since the organised labour movement is currently at a crossroads in making important policy decisions regarding its future relationships with a government committed to neoliberal economic policies.' Professor Martin J. Murray, State University of New York at Binghamton, USA 'Ranging over theoretical, historical, contemporary and strategic issues, this is the single most important contribution to an understanding of the trajectory of the South African labour movement.' Professor Ben Fine, SOAS, University of London, UK '...a powerful and important new book that begins to fill a gap in the literature on South Africa's transition and on the role of organised labour within this process. This is a comprehensive and compelling volume tha is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the changing and challenging role that the labour movement is playing in the ost-apartheid political dispensation.' Labour & Industry

ISBN: 9781138709041

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 500g

258 pages