From Solidanstic Wages to Solidaristic Work: A Post-Fordist Historic Compromise for Sweden?

Abstract

Post-Fordist scenarios have excited the attention of many scholars and practitioners in advanced capitalist economies. What is less often considered is the kind of power resources required to institutionalize a progressive post-Fordist compromise. The question of power is explored first in general terms and then through an analysis of the Swedish unions' new strategy centred on the notion of solidaristic work. Solidaristic work is analysed as a formal strategy (does it meet the criteria of historical progressiveness?) and its prospects for success are considered against the backdrop of the crisis of representation that erupted in 1990.