Premium
Is There Room for an Independent Trade Unionism in Russia? Trade Unionism in the Russian Aviation Industry
Author(s) -
Borisov Vadim,
Fairbrother Peter,
Clarke Simon
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
british journal of industrial relations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.665
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1467-8543
pISSN - 0007-1080
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-8543.1994.tb01009.x
Subject(s) - militant , position (finance) , trade union , aviation , aristocracy (class) , government (linguistics) , soviet union , economics , international trade , political science , law , engineering , politics , finance , linguistics , philosophy , aerospace engineering
On the basis of a detailed study of two ‘independent’ unions, representing pilots and air traffic controllers, this paper argues that there are very limited prospects for independent trade unionism in Russia at present. The air traffic controllers' union has adopted a resolutely independent and militant strategy of pursuing the sectional interests of its members, which has brought it into conflict with management, other unions and the government. The pilots' union, by contrast, has sought to consolidate the position of its members as a labour aristocracy, collaborating closely with management to secure its privileged position. The success of the pilots contrasts starkly with the heavy defeat suffered by the air traffic controllers following their strikes in August and December 1992, indicating the barriers that face the attempt to create trade unions independent of management in Russia.