Political, Not Partisan: The Tunisian General Labor Union under Democracy

• In Event: Representing Worker Interests in the 21st Century

Abstract

Under what conditions do trade unions participate in electoral politics in the aftermath of transitions from authoritarian rule? Conventional explanations focus on unions’ incentives to maximize their members’ interests through access to policy making, as well as the level of unions’ militancy in the lead-up to democratization. The political engagement of the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) in the country’s transition from authoritarian rule challenges some of these expectations. Despite its organizational strength and prominent role in the country’s transition from authoritarian rule, as well as the presence of economic incentives for political participation, the UGTT has eschewed formal electoral participation. This paper explores this puzzle, drawing on in-depth interviews and original survey data of union members. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we find that historical legacies have convinced Tunisian unionists that electoral participation would co-opt and fragment the union, and thus runs counter to members’ interests. Findings from this paper indicate that some unions might be able to escape the classic trade-off between influence and independence by remaining politically active while refraining from electoral participation.

Authors

• Dina Bishara, Cornell University

• Sharan Grewal, College of William & Mary