This project seeks to explore, analyse and share learnings from a range of post conflict societies including South Africa, Iraq and Palestine/Israel with a focus on the role of trade unions in the development of shared and just societies. The project will address the  role of trade unions in reconciliation, democratisation, social justice and sustainable economic development.  The project will collaborate closely with the labour movement, politicians, decision makers, local communities and international partners.

Trade unions are a leading global actor in the struggle for progressive and democratic social change in post-conflict societies. Despite the worst excesses of neo liberalism Trade Unions maintain a significant position in the body politic nationally and internationally and alongside the role unions play in the collective defense of workers’ rights, they have also acted as significant agents in the transition from conflict to more peaceful and democratic systems.

Societies in transition from violence to peace or forms of authoritarian rule to more democratic systems also experience an economic transition which has been characterised over the last thirty years by a transition from  social democratic, corporatist or managed economies to economies run on the broad principles understood as neo-liberal. The programme will investigate through comparative studies the impact of this double transition on the stability and security of post- conflict societies.

The programme of research and international dialogue will be guided by a number of key themes:

  • Shared public resources in post-conflict societies
  • The double transition – economic and political change in post conflict societies
  • Alternative economics  – Co-operative, mutual and public ownership.
  • The role of Trade Unions in transition to stable states
  • Women, trade unions and  post-conflict reconstruction
  • The re-integration of ex-prisoners into the workplace.
  • Social and labour mobility within and across borders.
  • Trade Unions and reconciliation (Lessons from anti-sectarian & prejudice reduction initiatives).

For further details contact

Dr Stephen Nolan
Trade Union in Post Conflict Societies Programme
Trademark – ICTU
NG2 North Building
Twin Spires Centre
155 Northumberland Street
Belfast
BT13 2JF