Can democracy only survive if it is participatory? Is participatory democracy a prerequisite for sustainable development? Are trade unions the most appropriate body through which such aims can be implemented? These critical questions are tackled in Gérard Kester's book, Trade Unions and Workplace Democracy in Africa, which applies an unparalleled depth of research to these issues as they impact African nations, including: Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Rigorously structured, it sets the background of the research and the underlying theory, before presenting the learning experiences within different countries and the the broad implications of the research findings for policy making on democratic participation.
Biography
Gérard Kester was formerly Associate Professor of Labour Studies at the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, The Netherlands.
'This book has an astonishing depth and expanse, covering 10 countries and based on over twenty years of experience of research and implementation. It is also compelling in its coherent blend of theory, extensive empirical data and policy prescription.' Raymond Markey, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand 'This study, splendidly written by one of the most prominent international experts in the field, is indispensable for everybody interested in the democratic future of Africa. I highly recommend it.' Manfred Weiss, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany 'Kester's Trade Unions and Workplace Democracy in Africa makes an invaluable contribution to understanding contemporary labour relations in Africa, and sounds a clarion call for action to build a new partnership among government, business, and unions. Ashgate deserves to be commended for publishing such an important study, which certainly will find a well-deserved place in labour studies.' Labor History '...this is a well-written and clearly argued book. It will be an authoritative source of information for anybody interested in the development of participatory democracy in Africa.' African Affairs
