Die Krise der Repräsentation in Gewerkschaften / The Crisis of Representation in Trade Unions: A Case Study on the Assessment of the Right-Wing Alternative Trade Union Center

In the context of/ increasing class disparities and the erosion of traditional political and trade union organizations, Sophie Schlingmann examines how right-wing populist movements strategically exploit these developments to mobilize segments of the workforce. The growing polarization of the political spectrum is further intensifying the perception of a social and political crisis in Germany. A significant portion of the population feels that their lived realities are not represented by established political actors and is increasingly turning to alternative political options.Trade unions, too, are confronted with right-wing populist movements and organized right-wing actors, such as the alternative union Zentrum (Automobil), founded in 2010. Its existence is justified by the claim that established unions neglect the interests of the working class. This book examines whether the success of such positions and the increasing presence of right-wing actors in companies can be interpreted as an indicator of a crisis in trade union representation.