Organized Labor and Government in Underdeveloped Countries: Sources of Conflict

Abstract

In spite of the fact that the governments of many underdeveloped countries are sympathetic to organized labor and depend upon it for political support, relations between labor and government in these countries often are strained to the breaking point. Compulsory arbitration is widespread, strikes are sometimes forcibly broken, and union demands are denounced by government leaders. In exploring this apparent paradox, the author of this article predicts that labor and government in underdeveloped countries will continue to clash atoll the overriding goal of economic development has been achieved. Until that time, strikes and economic demands, no matter how justified, must he viewed even by sympathetic governments as potential threats to development. (Author's abstract courtesy EBSCO.)