La territorialización del sindicalismo en barrios pobres. Evidencia en el poniente de Santiago, final de la dictadura en Chile (1985-89).

Abstract

With the union as a workers association emerged in the capitalist production, there is little theory and evidence studying how unionism can develop at the opposite extreme: the reproductive world. A historical but unexplored case of study is the project of “territorial unionism” developed in neighborhoods of poor workers towards the end of the neoliberal dictatorship in Chile (1985-89). The present paper analyzes this case through interviews with the organizers and review of documents, finding an apparently unique historical and political geography of “popular power”. Workshops on territoriality, health, women, labor rights and territorial collective bargaining, developed in neighborhood community spaces and in historical areas of workers’ power, provide evidence that question the limits, logics and territorial traditions of trade unionism. Large portions of proletariat in the urban sprawl of Latin America underline the potential for unions and neighborhood organizations to cross their geographies to stimulate the working class consciousness. * Chile. Sociólogo, Universidad de Chile. Estudiante Doctorado en Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Investigador del Observatorio de Huelgas Laborales (OHL) de la Universidad Alberto Hurtado (UAH) y el Centro de Estudios de Conflicto y Cohesión Social (COES) (FONDAP No15130009). Correo: djperez2@uc.cl.