Capitalism and Nature
Conflicts between Trade Unions and the Environmental Movement in Kerala, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32387/prokla.v55i219.2186Keywords:
Labour-Environmental Conflicts, Socio-Ecological Transformation Conflicts, Trade Unions, Working-Class EnvironmentalismAbstract
The article examines the conflicts between trade unions and a working-class environmental movement in the context of industrial pollution in the Indian industrial hub of Eloor-Edayar. It follows the environmental labor studies approach and draws on ethnographic research and in-depth interviews to explain the framing and interpretations of both movements. Their disputes should be understood in terms of (1) conflicting economic interests, (2) differing environmental consciousness and (3) a hegemonic coalition between trade unions and industry. The study underscores the need to link the perspectives of commodity production and life shaping/social reproduction in order to facilitate a broad-based alliance between institutionalized trade unions and working-class environmental movements in the global South.
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