Summary - TST 39

TRANSPORTES, SERVICIOS Y TELECOMUNICACIONES


TST 39

Antonio PLAZA PLAZA

The railway trade unionism of corporate origin in Spain and the struggle of the companies against the claiming action (1913-1920)

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Key Words: company unions, yellow unions, supra-business organizations, FNFE, railway companies.


[ Abstract ]

The strike action taken by the Unión Ferroviaria (UGT), Seccion Catalana, in September 1912 led the railway companies to fight the Unión to stop the claims promoted since 1909. Through the creation of Catholic unions and supra-business organizations, the railway companies wanted to counteract those demands, whose main goals were wage growth to compensate price increases, and effective recognition of the right to organize and bargain collectively. Though recognized by law, this right was neither accepted nor respected by the railway companies. These companies kept punishing unionize workers. The commonly known as "yellow unions" were used by the companies in the successive anti-union responses against 1912, 1916 and 1917 strikes. When railway unions resistance was overcome, the companies were supported by the supra-business organizations, which they used to put pressure on the Government.