Labour Unions against Authoritarianism

Labour unions have often been in the forefront of mobilising against oppressive regimes. As custodian organisations, they have tremendous potential in mobilising society in times of need. Yet, labour unions are also navigating and operating in a difficult political landscape, filled with repressions, co-option, restrictions as well as containment.

This round table explores the conditions of labour unions and the trajectories of their work under repressive regimes in different authoritarian contexts. Some of the questions explored in the round table will be:

1. How do labour unions frame and formulate their political action?
2. What kind of mobilising structures and techniques are used by labour unions?
3. What happens in the aftermaths of revolutionary moments that the labour movements have been involved in?  

Participants:

• Volodymyr Artiukh, University of Oxford, UK
• Çağatay Edgücan Şahin, University of Ordu, Turkey
• Kerstin Hamann, University of Central Florida, USA
• Elina Troscenko (moderator), GRIP, University of Bergen

The round table is part of the GRIP annual theme for 2023 that is focussing on labour and inequality.

About the Bergen Exchanges

Bergen Exchanges is an annual global event in Bergen, exploring the transformative role of law, social sciences and power relations. Scholars and practitioners delve into the strategic uses of rights, the dynamics of legal institutions, and the intersection of law and politics. It is a week of thought-provoking discussions on how law serves as an instrument of change and shapes our world.

GRIP is contributing to this year’s Bergen Exchanges with the round table discussion as well as a Keynote Address to be delivered by Divine Fuh, Director of the Institute for Humanities Africa (HUMA) at the University of Cape Town.