Working class and transition: a vision from the factory

Abstract

The present article has the objective to expose the main conclusions of the doctoral thesis called Models sindicals al món de la fàbrica (1976-1982). Throughout the study of the working class movement in the metallurgical factories SEAT, ENASA, Hispano Olivetti, Motor Ibérica, Roca Radiadores and Maquinista Terrestre y Marítima, this paper analyzes the main axis of the workers struggle: decent working and salary conditions, democratic freedoms, amnesty, free election of workers’ representatives in companies and, from the mid-seventies and the ef fects of the economic crisis, the defense of the work places. The main goal of this article is to reflect the key role that the working movement played (along with other social movements) in the destabilization and the exhaustion of the Franco regime and the beginning of a democratic process.