"Situar el hoy en el mañana" Comisiones obreras en la transición y la democracia (1976-1991).

Abstract

In the following pages I have approached the development of the Workers' Commissions [CCOO] during the Transition from Franco regime and the democracy in Spain. Specifically, my object of study has been the transformation experienced from its status as a socio-political movement of opposition to the dictatorship, to that of a Confederal Trade Union or, as they themselves put it during the period of political change, the construction of a "new type of union." In this respect, both the structuring and struggle of the union during the transition have been studied. Likewise, I have paid attention to the strategic debates – not always cordially – and trade union action maintained during the first PSOE governments. Indeed, CCOO played a crucial role in the terminal crisis of the Francoist dictatorship, but its role remained relevant even in the new juncture marked by the ebb of social mobilization and the articulation of a democratic framework. However, in my opinion, historiography has not reflected this importance. The history that follows, therefore, is that of an important socio-political actor that, at the same time, was a fundamental witness of a period of important changes. Somehow, we could say that the political break with the previous regime was followed by a socio-economic (and even cultural) break. This was the environment in which the CCOO deployed its activity. As many other European countries – albeit from a different starting point –, Spain experienced very important changes between the crisis of the 1970s – synonymous of long-term unemployment – and the process of "modernization" of the 1980s and 1990s: the country moved from the framework of an authoritarian fordism to an economy integrated in the European market. This integration, stimulated by narratives focused on fostering competitiveness, was concomitant to the processes labor market deregulation and wage moderation. In a hard scenario – but at the same time loaded with opportunities –, CCOO sought to consolidate itself in organic and institutional terms, tried to avoid the social disintegration and proposed concrete alternatives. Although hampered by a lag of at least three decades, the process of union-building and the union action deployed offers a balance of lights and shadows. But, at the same time, is relevant to understand the years of Transition and democratic consolidation.

Date of Award	18 Sept 2019
Original language	Spanish
Supervisor	Pere Ysas Solanes (Director)