Mining proletariat, economic nationalization and current repositioning of the “Central Obrera Boliviana”

Abstract

Our work, based on primary sources, attempts to account for the transit of Bolivian mining sector worker -proletarian central nucleus of last century- since the implementation of structural reforms in the year 85, when the principal state mines are closed, until today. During the «evismo», the collective action in the mining sector was central to force the nationalization of the principal reserve of tin, bringing a new elite ministerial management in the area. In turn, we present the recent route of Central Obrera Boliviana, very strong before. His character opponent in relation with the neoliberal governments found a line of continuity for the present Government. However, this perspective has not been the dominant, for the first time in his history the COB has subordinated itself to the field of popular joint commanded by the indigenismo.