Thriving in the Lost Paradigm: Social Movement Unionism in France

Abstract

At a time when Australian labour think-tanks are reconsidering the roadmap, this paper offers a contrast based on French labour politics, which have been evolving in quite a different fashion over the last decade or so. After providing a few insights into the French industrial relations system, particular attention is given to the alter-globalisation movement and a new born trade union Solidaires, Unitaires et D魯cratiques (SUD) which altogether epitomise forces at play in France. It is suggested that if social-movement unionism is not an apparent relevant option for Australia, this is still a strategic paradigm to reckon with and be considered.