The Labour Movement in Lebanon: Power on Hold

The labour movement in Lebanon has been a failure due to state interference,tactical co-optation,sectarianism,and the structural weakness of a service-based laissez-faire economy. This book provides an authoritative history of the labour movement and its implications for the wider Arab world and comparative studies of labour.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

The Lebanese labor movement has a rich and complex history, spanning from the early twentieth century to the present day. In his book, "The Labor Movement in Lebanon: Power on Hold," Bou Khater explores the various challenges and failures that have characterized trade unionism in the country.

One of the primary factors contributing to the failure of trade unionism in Lebanon is state interference. The Lebanese government has often been reluctant to recognize and support trade unions, preferring to maintain control over the labor market. This interference has included measures such as banning strikes, arresting union leaders, and restricting the right to organize.

Another factor that has hindered the growth of trade unionism in Lebanon is tactical co-optation. Many trade union leaders have been willing to align themselves with political parties or oligarchic elites in order to gain access to power and resources. This has led to the dilution of trade unionism's core principles and the erosion of its independence.

Furthermore, the strategic use of sectarianism by an oligarchic elite has been a significant obstacle to the development of the labor movement. Sectarianism has been used to divide workers along religious lines, creating divisions that hinder the ability of workers to unite and advocate for their rights.

The structural weakness of a service-based laissez-faire economy has also played a role in the failure of trade unionism in Lebanon. The country's economy is heavily dependent on the service sector, which is characterized by low wages, poor working conditions, and limited job security. This has created a situation where workers are vulnerable to exploitation and have little recourse to protect their rights.

Despite these challenges, the Lebanese labor movement has made significant strides in recent years. There has been a growing awareness of the importance of trade unionism and a growing demand for workers' rights. This has led to the formation of new forms of workers' organizations and social movements, such as the General Labor Union and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Lebanon.

The Lebanese case study presented here holds significant implications for the wider Arab world and for comparative studies of labor. The book provides a detailed account of the historical and political context in which trade unionism has developed in Lebanon, and it offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that trade unionists face in the region.

In conclusion, the Lebanese labor movement has a rich and complex history, marked by challenges and failures. However, there is still hope for the growth of trade unionism and for the realization of workers' rights in the country. The book "The Labor Movement in Lebanon: Power on Hold" is a valuable contribution to the field of trade unionism and to the broader study of labor in the Arab world.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526159434