Workers for democracy? Trade unions and the struggle against democratic backsliding

Abstract

As champions of workplace and economic democracy, as well as promoters of parliamentary (liberal) democracy, trade unions have an established historical link to democracy. Recent decades have seen this link gradually break down, however, as unions have suffered an incremental worldwide decline, including in their role in national politics. As democracies face new threats, can unions still play a role in their defence? The new framework presented in this article expands the role of trade unions in processes of democratic backsliding, arguing that, despite their dramatic decline, unions may yet have pivotal roles to play in safeguarding democracy. However, in light of unions’ waning independent power and agency, the article emphasizes the crucial role of coalitions, not only as an enabling condition for effective mobilization but also as a barrier against the unions’ involvement in political struggles. This argument is informed by a comparative analysis of a case study centring on Israel, coupled with the additional case of Poland. This analysis contributes to the growing body of literature on democratic backsliding and resilience by highlighting the often-overlooked role of organized class interests in the face of challenges to democratic institutions.

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