Soviets and the Unions

[StoneFrog]

I was wondering in Russia with the formation of soviets what was their relationship with the unions like? Were the unions incorporated into the soviets?

[Uppercut]

The unions could put forth their own cadidates for the soviets, as well as many other public organizations. Here is an excellent article on soviet democracy written by Sam Darcy. It should clear up most of the questions you have: http://revolutionarydemocracy.org/rdv11n2/darcy.htm

[syndicat]

There often wasn't much relationship. soviets were based initially in 1917 on the principle of direct election of a deputy from a workplace. Often they did form factions based on party or organizational affiliation. I've not heard of unions doing this but in principle it would have been possible. parties competed for election to union committees just as they competed for election to the soviet.