Russian Trade Unions and the De-Escalation of Protests in Russian Regions

Abstract

The article addresses the issues of social and labor protests in Russia and demonstrates how protests led by trade unions result in mitigation of conflicts and compromises with the authorities. The analysis focuses on activities of trade unions and their relations with the local authorities and employers at grassroots level. The research is based on in-depth interviews with leaders and activists of the largest trade union federation in three North Western regions of Russia, namely Leningrad Oblast, Pskov Oblast, and Karelia. The analysis of social and labor protests in these regions contributes to the understanding of relations among trade unions, the local authorities, and employers at the regional level.