Nowak, J. & Gallas, A. (2014) ‘Mass Strikes Against Austerity in Western Europe – A Strategic Assessment’

‘Mass Strikes Against Austerity in Western Europe – A Strategic Assessment’, Global Labour Journal. Vol. 5. No. 3.

Abstract

The politics of austerity and the changes to labour law in many Western European countries have led to a wave of mass strikes that is unprecedented in that part of the world, at least since the end of World War II. The strikes are predominantly one-day political and general strikes. Their characteristics are (a) a huge participation in historical comparison, (b) the crucial role of unions and workers from the public sector, and (c) a general lack of success. We give a brief account of the strike wave since 2008 and address four questions: 1. What type of strike do we encounter? 2. What are the socio-economic and political conditions that have led to the emergence of this type? 3. What are its limits as a means of struggle? 4. Which steps would have to be taken in order to change the relations of forces in favour of the European working classes?

Available to read or download in English at:

https://escarpmentpress.org/globallabour/article/view/2278/2293