Genesis of Labour Relations in Africa: Ethiopia in Context

This chapter examines the genesis of African industrial or labour relations by taking Ethiopia as a showcase. Hence, it highlights the general historical patterns of African labour relations during the colonial and post-independence eras. In this connection, the chapter demonstrates the predominantly contestation model of the continent's industrial relations during the post-1990 period, exemplified by the struggle for democracy and multi-party elections. It also provides the development of Ethiopia's labour relations during the Imperial administration, which had moved from ‘voluntary’ to ambivalent recognition of labour standards. Moreover, it also delves into how the military regime enforced a highly centralized approach to trade unionism. Similarly, EPRDF's state-led industrialization or ‘developmental state’ ideology has curbed the power of labour in its relation with capital. Hence, this chapter analyses the general pattern of Ethiopia's labour relations, which has moved from a more suppressive labour regime during the Imperial period, an over-regulated labour regime during the military administration, and finally, to a pro-investment labour regime in the 2000s.