Examines the political role of trade unions in seven African countries (Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Ghana, Senegal and Zimbabwe) and the various ways in which they seek to influence political parties and the state. It provides a finely tuned critique of the impact achieved by different strategies, within the context of both the unique forces shaping them and the looming shadow of the new global economy. The contributions also provide new insights into the relationship of trade union action to the politics of national liberation.