The making of trade unionism in Libya (1943-1957)

Internal and Transnational Struggles

Bibliographic Data

ID3979580
AuthorsAnna Baldinetti (0000-0002-4799-9830, University of Perugia, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume29
Issue2
Pages206-227
Publication date2024-03-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of North African Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1362-9387 • E-ISSN: 1743-9345
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13629387.2023.2285748
OpenAlexW4388970867
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited16

Little is known about Libyan trade unionism and its role in the Arab workers’ movement. Drawing on a variety of archival sources, this article contributes a general overview of trade unionism in Tripolitania and Cyrenaica from the time of the British Administration (1943–1951) until 1957. In this period, the Libyan General Workers Union (LGWU) emerged as the main workers’ organisation and the first trade unions laws were promulgated. Since 1957, with the establishment of the Petroleum Workers Union and the presence of foreigners working in oil companies, the LGWU’s supremacy as a representative of Libya’s workers waned, and Libyan unionism entered a new phase. This article chronicles the unknown history of Libyan trade unionism and highlights the significance of trade union internationalism, specifically, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions in Libyan labour affairs. This research discusses internal enablers as well as frictions within the labour movement, which ultimately hampered its social and political influence

Administration (probate law · Economics · Economy · International trade · Internationalism (politics · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Trade union · African history and culture studies · Hispanic-African Historical Relations · Historical and Contemporary Political Dynamics · Law

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