Local Dynamics as a Resource for Labour Protests: The Case of Wildcat Strikes in the Metal Industry in Turkey, 2012-2016

Abstract

This article analyses the role of local dynamics on trade unions’ mobilisation capacity at thenational level, with a focus on the wildcat strikes in the metal sector in Bursa, a city in north-westTurkey, from 2012 to 2016. It studies to what extent local dynamics such as alliances with localbranches of political parties, workplace demonstrations, and local electoral and union organisingcampaigns contributed to protests against national government policies. The research andanalysis are based on both qualitative data collected during fieldwork and on quantitative datafrom a variety of Turkish and international sources. Through an analysis of the wildcat strikes,the article contributes to the literature on labour movements and strikes in authoritarian contexts.Differently from the majority of the existing literature on this issue, it focuses on the workplacelevel rather than analysing the relations between government officials and the trade unionconfederations at the national level. By doing this, it shows that, despite the oppressive context atthe national level, trade unions may regain power at the sectoral level.KEYWORDS: trade unions; metal industry; Turkey; authoritarian regime; social movements