Abstract

ROCCA, Mariela Verónica. The Role of Trade Unionism in the Management of Re-nationalized Public Utilities Companies: Sindicato Gran Buenos Aires de Trabajadores de Obras Sanitarias (2006-2018). Trab. soc. [online]. 2020, vol.21, n.34, pp.41-50. ISSN 1514-6871.

Based on the study of labor conditions since 2006, this article analyzes the role performed by the union in water supply services sector (Sindicato Gran Buenos Aires de Trabajadores de Obras Sanitarias, SGBATOS) after the re-nationalization of the company Aguas y Saneamientos Argentinos S.A. (AySA). How was the relationship among workers, the SGBATOS and the company? Which were the trade union’s resources of power? How did the union manage to delineate courses and repertories of action? The first inquiries seem to reveal that the SGBATOS was a key actor for the development of the services while organizationally it remained strengthened. Given the arrival of a new administration at the National Government in December 2015, continuities and ruptures with respect to the previous period are also addressed in this article.

The analysis is based on official documents and records, Collective Labor Agreements, trade union publications, newspaper articles and public statements made by trade unionists. This article provides empirical evidence on how trade union’s action is deployed in the provision of an essential re- nationalized public utility. It also contributes to the broader debate about the role of the State and the role of workers and trade unions in State-owned enterprises.

Keywords : trade unions; State-owned enterprises; working conditions and labor relations; trade union strategies.