Soviet Trade Unions

Soviet trade unions were organizations representing workers, but unlike independent unions in many countries, they were closely controlled by the Communist Party. Their primary role was to support the state's goals, ensure labor discipline, and provide some welfare benefits to workers. They did not act as independent advocates for workers' rights or negotiate independently with employers, as their allegiance was to the government rather than to the workers' independent interests. In essence, they served as a means for the state to organize, manage, and monitor the workforce within a centralized, planned economy.