Struggles of white-collar and blue-collar workers in the neoliberal era: The case study of collective bargaining between the united metal workers union and the electromechanical employers' association

In this study, labour struggles, resistance strategies and solidarity dynamics between white-collar and blue-collar workers in neoliberal period are examined. The collective bargaining process between the United Metal Workers Union and the Electromechanical Employers' Association during 2016-2018 period was selected as a case study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 blue-collar and 15 white-collar participants. The experiences and assessments of the white-collar and blue-collar workers in the collective bargaining process were included and the results of the strike vote were analyzed. The professional segment of white-collar workers is positioned in an intermediate position where they function as control, and they reproduce the norms of today's business world. In this respect, the labour processes of white-collar and blue-collar workers differ considerably and this affects their struggle capacity. The white-collar workers who are subject to performance-based reward and incentive systems, in most cases, their struggle is maintained with individual resistance. They do not act collectively like the blue-collar workers and cannot co-operate joint struggle with them. New management techniques limit the solidarity between white-collar and blue-collar workers. However, in some cases, such as the strike vote that is subject to our study, solidarity can be implicitly displayed. The culture of solidarity based on social networks at the workplace affects the white-collar workers' support to strikes. On the other hand, the thought of the damage that is seen in the strikes, the relatively good working conditions of the blue-collar workers, lack of information about the process can prevent the solidarity among the white-collar and blue-collar workers. Experiences in this process cause the struggle for labour to be seen as gain or loss and transforms the subjects of struggle. Keywords: Blue-collar, White-collar, Working Class, Struggle, Resistance, Solidarity, Strike, Collective Bargaining Agreement.