Bargained liberalisation: the labour movement policy-making and transition in Zambia and South Africa

Abstract

The authors offer a social democratic alternative to neo-liberalism consisting of three recommendations. First, liberalisation must be accompanied by social policies that minimise social costs. Second, policies must be designed with a view towards growth, and finally, policies must be formulated and implemented through corporatist-style consultation and negotiation beyond the state and parliament to include unions, employers and other interest groups. (Przeworski et al., 1995:85) "Concertation" is central to their argument: it subjects the reform strategy to the competitive interplay of political forces, improves policy outcomes, builds support for the continuation of reforms, and helps consolidate democratic institutions. (Przeworski et al., 1995:82).To the extent that consolidation depends on concertation, trade unions are essential actors in the development of democracy.