Abstract This article analyses the relationship between union strategies and labour reforms. In this direction, the research retrieves the experience of the Sindicato dos Metalúrgicos do ABC in Brazil during the governments of the Partido dos Trabalhadores and in the years following to the approval of the labour reform. To this aim, we will study the dynamics of labour conflict between 2003 and 2013. Then, we will focus on the union stance on the labour reform, identifying continuities and ruptures in its strategy with respect to the previous years. When considering elements referred to the political and ideological orientation of the union action, it is possible to conclude that the modifications in labour regulations not only express an offensive, from the dominant sectors, against historical working class’ conquests, but they can also legitimize union strategies likely to validate the flexibility of labour relations.

Resumen El presente artículo analiza la relación entre estrategias sindicales y reformas laborales. En tal dirección, se recupera la experiencia del Sindicato dos Metalúrgicos de ABC en Brasil durante los gobiernos del Partido dos Trabalhadores y en los años posteriores a la sanción de la reforma laboral. Para ello, estudiaremos la dinámica de la conflictividad laboral entre 2003 y 2013. Luego, focalizaremos en el posicionamiento del sindicato ante la reforma laboral e identificaremos continuidades y rupturas en su estrategia respecto a los años precedentes. Al considerar en el análisis elementos que remiten a la orientación política e ideológica del accionar sindical, es posible concluir que las modificaciones en las normativas laborales no sólo expresan una ofensiva de los sectores dominantes sobre históricas conquistas de la clase trabajadora, sino que también pueden legitimar estrategias sindicales tendientes a convalidar la flexibilización de las relaciones del trabajo.

Resumo Após uma década de estratégias sindicais ofensivas, enquadradas no crescimento econômico iniciado em 2003, a chegada de um governo de direita modifica o cenário, aumentando o desemprego e a pobreza. Nossa pergunta de investigação é sobre como se posicionam os sindicatos para resistir ou adaptar-se ao novo contexto.

Abstract After a decade of offensive union strategies framed by a period of economic growth beginning in 2003, the arrival of a right-wing government has shifted the scenery, expanding unemployment and poverty. How do unions position themselves to resist or adapt to this new context?