The Political Economy of Labor Relations in the Context of Greek Shipbuilding: An Ethnographic Account

ISSN： 0275-7206

Source： History and Anthropology, Vol.17, Iss.2, 2006-06, pp. : 153-170

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Abstract

This article explores the transformations occurring in the context of Greek industry by paying special attention to the shipbuilding sector. In recent years, the economic crisis created extensive structural problems, acute deindustrialization, rising unemployment and a context of declining investment as well as employment uncertainty. Through the ethnographic research conducted in a workplace located at Piraeus, the author attempts to show the effects of these processes on the qualitative characteristics of labor relations as the latter are embedded in the strategies of supranational decision makers and mediated by the policies adopted by the Greek state regarding these issues. Finally, it is argued that local actors follow strategies and make decisions taking into account the asymmetrical context within which they are involved in order to make their lives possible.