Blue-Collar Workers in Eastern Europe

First published in 1981, Blue-Collar Workers in Eastern Europe deals with the attitudes and political disposition of the East European working class. In particular, it provides the first analysis of the growing assertiveness of the industrial proletariat from which East European governments claim to derive their legitimacy, and on whose behalf, they profess to rule. These governments are increasingly hesitant in the use of force, yet they lack the economic means of meeting their workers’ demands.

The chapters that make up the book fall into three main categories. About one third are issue oriented and analytical, dealing with the role, economic condition, attitudes, social and demographic characteristics and political involvement of the workers. These are followed by case studies of workers in several countries. Finally, two chapters explore the policy implications of the workers’ new-found assertiveness and assess the international policy options and dilemmas of both the Soviet Union and the West. This book covers all the major issues which brought about the widely publicised workers’ rebellion in Poland in the summer of 1980 and includes an assessment of that crisis and its sequels. It will attract a wide readership among students of the history and politics of Eastern Europe especially those interested in labour unions, socialist management, and comparative communism.