Trade unions and democratisation in Africa

In writings about the role of trade unions in the democratization process in Africa one can distinguish a pessimistic and an optimistic school. However, recent research presents a more complex picture. In this chapter the author has selected three case studies for an in-depth comparative analysis: Zambia, Ghana and Cameroon. They reflect variations in the degree of intensity of the unions' role in the democratic process, varying from high in Zambia, medium in Ghana, and low in Cameroon. The author demonstrates that these variations depend not only on differences in the unions' organizational strength and previous State-union relations, but also on the unions' willingness to involve themselves directly in the creation of formal democracy, in particular in the form of a multiparty system. The case studies suggest that unions in Africa, particularly in English-speaking countries, are more likely to fight for autonomy versus the State and for a larger degree of participation in the national decisionmaking process than to support or join opposition forces in their struggle for the establishment of a multiparty system. On the basis of their experience with both the colonial and postcolonial trade union models, African unions have often been inclined to stay aloof from struggles to introduce formal democracy, out of fear that any alliance with opposition movements or parties would eventually turn out to be harmful to their representation of workers' interests. To consolidate their achievements, the unions should strengthen their organization; improve upon their negotiating and bargaining position in national decisionmaking fora; and democratize their internal organization and administration. Note, ref