A Transnational History of the Latin American Workers’ Confederation, 1938-1963: In Favour of a Workers’ Homeland

This book examines the efforts of the Confederation of Latin American Workers (CTAL) in generating workers’ unity across the continent from 1938-1963. Emerging in 1938 during a period of geopolitical instability, CTAL was systemically and actively preoccupied with the problems that affected workers in Latin America, consistently carrying out concrete actions to protect working-class interests. In doing so, CTAL initiated a process that led to the strengthening of union organisations and the promotion of a common language to defend the social and labour demands of the working class across the continent. This was particularly important due to the complex economic and political repercussions of the Second World War: namely, the high cost of basic necessities, and restrictions on collective and individual liberties. By the end of 1944, CTAL had consolidated its position as a continental union, inserted itself into international debate with organisations such as the ILO, and received widespread support from other labour organisations, including those in the USA and Canada. By analysing how international politics affected workers’ movements across various countries, this book offers a transnational, historic overview of the working class in Latin America.

Patricio Herrera is Full Professor of Contemporary American History at the Universidad San Sebastián in Chile. Previously, he has been a Visiting Professor at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, the Universidad de la República de Uruguay and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Patricio’s research explores the political and social history of workers in Latin America and the Caribbean during the 20th century.