Unions and Politics: Complex Relationships

Despite formal independence, unions maintain complex political relationships. The CGT's historical communist ties loosened but persist culturally. Many CGT activists remain Communist Party members, though the union now emphasizes autonomy. The CFDT's evolution from Catholic roots through autogestion (self-management) socialism to social-democratic reformism reflects broader left transformations.

These political connections create opportunities and constraints. During left governments, unions face pressure to moderate demands supporting "friendly" administrations. Under right governments, they mobilize more freely but face hostile legislation. The Macron presidency's neither-left-nor-right positioning particularly challenges unions accustomed to clear adversaries.

Campaign finance laws prohibiting union political contributions don't prevent informal support through mobilization and messaging. Union halls become campaign venues, union publications endorse positions if not candidates, and strike timing sometimes seems suspiciously electoral.