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| Solidaires (France) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Solidaires |
| Native name | Union syndicale Solidaires |
| Founded | 1981 (as SUD), 1999 (as Solidaires Unitaires Démocratiques) |
| Headquarters | Paris |
| Key people | collective leadership |
| Members | (est.) |
Solidaires (France) Solidaires is a French trade union confederation associated with the SUD federations and allied unions, emerging from the French labor movement and social movements. It operates within the tradition of French syndicalism and left-wing political activism, interacting with actors such as the CGT, CFDT, FO, and FSU in industrial disputes and public sector negotiations. The confederation has roots in workplace struggle, student movements, and anti-austerity mobilizations, collaborating with organizations like Attac, Ligue des droits de l'Homme, and various political parties on campaigns.
The origins trace to the 1980s when dissident militants from the Confédération générale du travail milieu, activists influenced by the May 1968 events milieu, and members expelled from major federations formed the SUD networks in unions such as the Postes, Télécommunications et Télécommunications branches and the SNCF sections. During the 1990s, conflicts with leaderships of the Confédération française démocratique du travail and Force Ouvrière over privatization policies and the Maastricht Treaty context catalyzed federations to coalesce. In 1999, federations and regional unions federated under the banner Solidaires Unitaires Démocratiques to confront reforms introduced by governments associated with the RPR, PS, and later UMP administrations. Major moments include active participation in strikes against the Contrat Première Embauche protests, mobilizations around the 2005 French riots, and mass actions opposing the El Khomri law and pensions reforms under cabinets led by François Hollande and Emmanuel Macron.
Solidaires is organized as a confederation of federations, regional unions, and rank-and-file lists whose decision-making relies on assemblies and collective leadership rather than a single general secretary, reflecting traditions of Anarcho-syndicalism, Trotskyism milieus, and plural leftist currents. Its structure includes federations representing sectors like education, health, transport, postal services, and academia, interfacing with institutions such as the Éducation nationale, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, and state-owned enterprises like the RATP and EDF. National coordination is exercised through national congresses and national councils where delegates from federations such as the Sud Éducation, Sud Solidaires PTT, and Solidaires Unitaires Démocratiques meet. The confederation maintains legal committees, negotiation delegations, and strike funds that interact with labour inspectorates and judicial bodies like the Conseil d'État in litigation.
Politically, Solidaires aligns with anti-capitalist, anti-neoliberal, and ecosocialist currents, drawing inspiration from historical currents including the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) libertaires and left libertarian traditions. It supports social justice initiatives promoted by organizations like Médecins du Monde and Emmaüs, opposes austerity measures tied to European fiscal frameworks such as the Stability and Growth Pact, and criticizes policies from administrations including cabinets of Lionel Jospin, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Édouard Philippe. On international issues, Solidaires expresses solidarity with movements like the Zapatistas, Palestinian solidarity campaigns involving Gaza debates, and trade union internationals such as the World Federation of Trade Unions (critically). The confederation favors direct action, workplace democracy, and participatory decision-making models influenced by historical actors like Pierre Bourdieu-era intellectuals and activist networks.
Solidaires has led or participated in high-profile campaigns including national strikes against pension reform proposals associated with cabinets led by Jean-Marc Ayrault and Édouard Philippe, demonstrations during the Yellow Vests protests intersectional moments, and sectoral strikes at institutions like the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, SNCF, and Air France. It organized mobilizations opposing privatizations tied to companies such as France Télécom (now Orange S.A.), campaigned against layoffs at industrial groups like ArcelorMittal, and coordinated with student unions like the UNEF during campus occupations. Solidaires has engaged in legal contests before the Cour de cassation and administrative disputes with municipal authorities in cities such as Lille, Lyon, and Marseille.
Member bodies include federations representing sectors: Sud Éducation, Sud Rail, Sud PTT, Sud Santé Sociaux, and numerous local unions in municipal administrations, universities, and private enterprises. It cooperates with confederal and non-confederal lists, local grassroots associations, and international networks including solidarity links with unions in Spain (e.g., CGT (Spain)), Greece (e.g., PAME critique), and Latin American labor movements such as those around Venezuela and Bolivia. Affiliates range from public sector branches in the Ministry of the Interior to cultural sector unions in institutions such as the Comédie-Française and media unions connected to outlets like Libération journalists' collectives.
Critics from mainstream federations like CFDT and CGT accuse Solidaires of sectarian tactics and uncompromising strike calls that complicate social dialogue during negotiations with administrations such as cabinets under François Fillon or Manuel Valls. Employers' organizations like the Medef have contested Solidaires' methods in collective bargaining and denounced wildcat strikes in companies including Air France and transport sectors. Judicial scrutiny has arisen in disputes before the Tribunal administratif over legality of strike notices and in public debates involving politicians including Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon who have both criticized or allied tactically at different times. Debates also center on internal pluralism, with critiques from former Trotskyist and Maoist militants about strategy and alliances.
Solidaires has influenced the French labor landscape by promoting militant grassroots organizing, advancing rank-and-file coordination models, and shaping debates on labor law reforms contested in parliaments such as the Assemblée nationale. Its actions have pressured administrations from Jacques Chirac to Emmanuel Macron and affected public opinion during major reforms, collaborating with other unions like CGT and FO in united fronts while also distinguishing itself through direct-action tactics. The confederation contributed to broader alliances with social movements including environmental groups like Greenpeace-adjacent campaigns and humanitarian organizations, thereby altering repertoires of contention and union pluralism in France.