Author Description

This book analyses trade unionsâ (TM) capacities of resistance following the period of austerity and â oebailout crisisâ in Portugal (2011-2015). Considering the destructive impacts of those policies on the working class and their unions, it explores three case studies in three productive sectors: the metal sector (Autoeuropa/VW); the telecommunications sector (PT-Telecom/Altice); and the transport sector (TAP â " Air Portugal). In order to gather empirical information, the study uses qualitative methods, such as in-depth interviews and focus groups. The book shows that social dumping, brutal unemployment growth, increasing poverty levels, spreading precariousness, wage cuts and labour rights suppression were some of the consequences of this period on the working class and trade unions. Drawing on the â oepower resourcesâ theoretical approach, it shows how trade unions were able to react and â oereinventâ themselves in terms of certain forms of power, while others â oeimplodedâ or were relegated to a marginal role.