Lost in the Ocean of Deregulation? The Greek Labour Movement in a Time of Crisis

This article examines the reasons for the failure of institutional trade unions to adequately address the austerity and neoliberal restructuring challenge that emerged in Greece after the 2010 bail-out agreement. The alternatives proposed by militant, grassroots labour organization are investigated. After identifying the strong points of the latter's contributions, as well as the problems and challenges they are facing, the authors conclude that a diversified and innovative approach is required on the part of the labour movement in order to simultaneously address and exploit all sources of workers' power. The emergence of radical unionism in large urban areas is a fortunate development, but cannot be transplanted as a recipe for success in itself. A process of strategic rapprochement between mainstream and radical unions in Greece is necessary.