Sarath Davala The growth of independent trade unions is a reflection of the inability of the political trade unions to meet workers' needs. But are independent unions capable of emerging as an alternative movement? An examination of the growth of independent trade unionism in West Bengal where centralised party unionism continues to be the dominant form.
Populist rhetoric cannot reverse the structural adjustment programmes. The multinationals are here to stay. If the trade unions neglect the macro issues affecting the workers and fail to adapt, they are bound to be overtaken by the 'reforms.
