Trade unions : the political perspective

Abstract

Past experience invokes industrial relations in general, and trade unions in particular, as indispensable factors in the democratic governance of any country. Historically, millions of workers and their union leaders had to fight an uphill struggle to institutionalise their right of association and thus influence the policy making process. The impact of trade union action on the macro-economy and the resultant effect on society has given organised labour a political dimension. The political role of trade unions has for many years headed the item list of national discussion. This paper singles out the inevitability of political participation by labour unions in the national or international policies. It searches for proof of the legitimate political involvement of trade unions as major social partners and special interest groups.