This article offers a history during the last thirty years of the weakening of the labor movement in Chile, in its economic role, its institutional position, and its political power. This study examines that movement’s trajectory before, during, and after the military government of Augusto Pinochet. This essay analyzes its
current difficulties in comparison with the similar situation in many other countries. The question is asked whether the military coup of 1973 was necessary to create the negative condition of trade unionism today. The conclusion is that the evolution of the economy is the most important factor that explains the
existing problems of unions. Consequently, the future of the workers’ movement does not appear auspicious in this moment.