The cultural change of Comisiones Obreas in the trade union transition (1977–1988)

Abstract

ABSTRACT After Franco’s death, Spanish trade unionism was completely transformed. These changes took place between 1977–1988 during a period that some refer to as the Trade Union Transition. The change in trade unionism required both institutional changes and changes in the trade union culture of the main trade unions at the time. This article outlines the main events of the Trade Union Transition and specifically investigates the transformation of the culture of Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) as the main trade union force of the time at various levels: organisational form, conflictivity, degree of participation, etc. The article attempts to demonstrate how the changes in CCOO’s culture reduced trade union conflict, a factor that contributed to reducing opposition to the economic changes promoted by the different governments, mainly those led by the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).