ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to probe the problem of bureaucracy, the breakdown of the unions, and the effort in the late twenties to re-establish ties with the workers. It seems best to start with a picture of the formal institutional arrangements, with an eye to the political controls and general political make-up of the unions. At the pinnacle of the union institutional hierarchy was the national Congress, composed of representatives from all affiliated unions and administrative trade union units. The industrial union was structured on the principle of vertical organization on an industry-wide and nation-wide basis, and was highly centralized. Membership in the unions was automatic and compulsory for all workers. The high percentage of Communists holding trade union posts stood in sharp contrast to the total number of workers who were Communists. If the Party succeeded in maintaining control over the unions, it also faced a major internal union crisis.
