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Unions under pressure: the years’70-‘73 revised - In the early 1970’s all Belgian unions seemed to have rank and file unrest. The problems which surfaced cannot be explained without taking into account union policy since the end of the 19th century. At that time union leaders tried to influence labor conditions by being direct participants of policy making bodies of the economy at all levels (local, regional, national). This attempt was not totally successful. Particularly at the level of the firm union influence remained mostly restricted to the so-called social aspects. At the regional and national levels, the development was somewhat different, but the bodies in which unions were represented were not very influential. One exception is the National Bank. This particular union strategy has also had an impact on union structure and organisation. Union officers became more like professionals. The results of our research show that contacts between officers and members are rare and mostly of an administrative nature. Union meetings are seldom attended and the workers distrust a great number of their delegates. As a result, there is little chance for actual work problems to be discussed and solved. This situation inevitably leads to conflict, especially in times of economic boom when collective bargaining agreements are negotiated for two or three years, as in the early 1970’s. The situation of the Belgian unions today is the result of a historical process. This situation will be hard to change but clearly can be changed.
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How to Cite: Backe, J. (1978) “Vakbonden onder druk: de jaren '70-'73 opnieuw belicht”, Tijdschrift voor Sociale Wetenschappen. 23(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvsw.96082