Member-only story

The Impact of Neoliberalism on Workers in the Pinochet Era

Kazuo Ishiguro

·17.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Victims Of The Chilean Miracle: Workers And Neoliberalism In The Pinochet Era 1973 2002

4 min read

1.4k View Claps

98 Respond

Save

Listen

Workers And Neoliberalism In The Pinochet Era: 1973 2002 Victims Of The Chilean Miracle: Workers And Neoliberalism In The Pinochet Era 1973 2002

Victims of the Chilean Miracle: Workers and Neoliberalism in the Pinochet Era, 1973–2002

by Kyle Spencer

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2989 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	444 pages

The Pinochet era in Chile (1973-1990) was a period of profound political and economic change. The military junta led by General Augusto Pinochet implemented a radical neoliberal economic program that had a significant impact on the lives of workers.

The neoliberal policies implemented by the Pinochet government included privatization of state-owned industries, deregulation of the economy, and the reduction of social spending. These policies led to a sharp increase in unemployment and poverty, and a decline in real wages.

The Pinochet government also cracked down on labor unions, which were seen as a threat to its economic agenda. Unions were banned from engaging in collective bargaining, and many union leaders were arrested, tortured, or killed.

The impact of neoliberalism on workers in Chile was devastating. Unemployment rates soared to over 20%, and real wages fell by over 30%. Poverty rates increased, and many families were forced to rely on food banks and other forms of assistance.

The Pinochet government's neoliberal policies also had a negative impact on the environment. The privatization of state-owned industries led to a sharp increase in pollution, and the deregulation of the economy allowed companies to dump toxic waste into rivers and streams.

The Pinochet era was a dark chapter in Chilean history. The neoliberal policies implemented by the military junta led to a sharp decline in living standards for workers, and a degradation of the environment.

The legacy of the Pinochet era is still felt in Chile today. The country remains one of the most unequal in Latin America, and many workers still struggle to make ends meet.

However, the Pinochet era also saw the rise of a strong labor movement that has fought for the rights of workers. Unions have played a key role in the fight for democracy and social justice in Chile.

The Pinochet era is a reminder of the dangers of neoliberalism. When governments implement policies that prioritize corporate profits over the well-being of workers, the results can be devastating.

We must never forget the lessons of the Pinochet era. We must continue to fight for the rights of workers and for a more just and equitable society.

References

Davis, S. (2001). The Pinochet regime: A reassessment. Penn State University Press.
Garretón, M. A. (1989). The Chilean political process. Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Mohan, R. (2002). Chile's transition to democracy: The Pinochet years and beyond. Palgrave Macmillan.
Petras, J. (1986). The Pinochet regime: Economics, politics, and repression. Westview Press.
Sunkel, O. (1989). Pinochet: El modelo chileno: Democracia y desarrollo económico. Editorial Sudamericana.

Victims of the Chilean Miracle: Workers and Neoliberalism in the Pinochet Era, 1973–2002

by Kyle Spencer

4.2 out of 5