Industrial Relations and the Political Process in the Sudan

Abstract

[Extract] We shall proceed to chronicle the main industrial relations events before and after political independence. These events will be set against the main changes in political leadership that have taken place. Having presented an account of the political context, we shall examine those aspects of the socio-economic environment which are relevant to industrial relations and the political process. Following this we shall apply a systems model to identify and analyse the inputs, the process and the outputs, having regard to the process as being the interaction of industrial relations with politics. Our outputs, then, will constitute the characteristics of industrial relations in the Sudan. Finally, in so far as we are able to, we shall endeavour to suggest some trends for the future.

The information upon which this study is based has three main sources. First, there are existing studies made by academic researchers, in particular of the labour movement, over the years: those sources are cited in the notes. Second, where possible, we have obtained relevant official and semi-official documents and statistics from the appropriate organisations and individual persons. For example, trade union membership figures from the Registrar-General's Office. Third, we conducted semi-structured interviews with Department of Labour officials, political cadres of the SSU, trade union leaders, managers from both public and private sectors of industry, and with officials and representatives of the employers' associations. Without exception the interviewees were candid and willing to co-operate and, although they were often keen to add their opinions of the subjects we were discussing, the interpretation of the data in this study must be our responsability.