ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the dimensions of CGT strategy prior to the critical juncture of 1977-8 and discusses its changing fortunes. At its regular Congresses the CGT solemnly approved general programs for social and political change in France, being reasonably careful to confront only issues which could be considered as falling within a trade union purview. Moreover, there were serious disagreements between the major Communist leaders within the CGT itself both about French Communist Party policies and CGT strategy. Thus the Fortieth Congress indicated only that major change in CGT strategy was possible, not that it had already happened. The CGT should move away from its traditional strategic dualism between defensive unionism in the labor market and mobilization for longer-term political change toward specific sector-by-sector campaigns for union-imposed structural reforms. The major result up to 1981 of the CGT’s strategic response to crisis was failure.
