Sindicalismo y vida cotidiana en el Retail: Experiencias de dirigentes de base en Chile

Abstract

The results of a qualitative study on the daily life of grassroots retail union leaders in Chile are presented. A conceptual framework was used that articulates the Social Psychology of Work and the socio-phenomenological perspective. Group and individual interviews were carried out with 27 union leaders from the cities of Antofagasta, Santiago and Concepción. The empirical material was analyzed from a qualitative content analysis approach. The results show five axes of meanings and practices that configure the plot of the daily life of the union leaders: The distance from the traditional political parties, the well-being and dignity as a horizon of the union action, the store as a key space for the various actions of the leaders, the high demand and questioning they receive from the workers, and the orientation to the dialogue with the company. These meanings and practices are discussed in light of the characteristics of the retail industry, and in relation to the current debate on structural crisis and revitalization of unionism under neoliberalism in Chile.