Global Unions as imperfect multilateral organizations: An international relations perspective

Abstract

This study applies an international relations framework and the notion of multilateral organizations as a means of understanding the nature of trade union internationalism and the conditions under which it operates. The authors argue that international trade unionism involves an imperfect multilateralism which requires close working relationships between small groups of unions in order to function, that is, a 'minilateral' method of working. By using this framework the authors attempt to highlight the intrinsic durability and adaptability of the Global Unions and also identify areas of activity that serve to strengthen them as organizations, primarily by building affiliates' engagement and investment in them.

Transnational Organizing: A Case Study of Contract Workers in the Colombian Mining Industry

“…The organizing principle of the GUFs is that of subsidiarity (Cotton and Gumbrell‐McCormick ; Marleau ), such that the main institutional power of these international bodies resides in local affiliates or regional structures with the central body providing a framework setting, coordinating and monitoring function. The principle of subsidiarity is also an ‘articulating device’ (Marleau ) between local and international levels providing a unique networking opportunity for trade unions and facilitating international exchange across geographical regions, union traditions and sectors.…”

“…Marleau () argues that this principle forms the basis for international regulation, standards and the work of international labour organizations. Further, that the generalized nature of the principles forms the basis of the obligation between GUF affiliates, one which is both durable and elastic (Cotton and Gumbrell‐McCormick ). The principles of subsidiarity provide an ‘indivisibility’, in that they are not based on any particular set of interests and therefore exist and survive beyond particular circumstances.…”

“…Additionally, we argue that ICEM's sustained and multi‐stage project activity allowed for effective articulation between local and international trade union structures, based on the principle of subsidiarity, allowing for exchange of ideas and experience between affiliates (Cotton and Gumbrell‐McCormick ; Croucher and Cotton ).…”

Building Transnational Union Networks across Global Production Networks: Conceptualising a New Arena of Labour–Management Relations

“…Political lobbying at international institutions to redress the global imbalance of power between labour and capital, such as the bid to anchor a 'social clause' in the WTO in the 1990s, has been unsuccessful (Anner 2001;Gumbrell-McCormick 2004: 44 ff.). Through GFAs, Global Union Federations (GUFs), the sectoral organizations of international unionism, seek to gain recognition from TNCs as legitimate negotiating counterparts, initiate social dialogue and successively, by strengthening unionization, influence HR practices of TNCs throughout their global production networks (Cotton and Gumbrell-McCormick 2012;Croucher and Cotton 2009;Fichter et al 2011;Platzer and Müller 2011;Routledge and Cumbers 2009). Through GFAs, Global Union Federations (GUFs), the sectoral organizations of international unionism, seek to gain recognition from TNCs as legitimate negotiating counterparts, initiate social dialogue and successively, by strengthening unionization, influence HR practices of TNCs throughout their global production networks (Cotton and Gumbrell-McCormick 2012;Croucher and Cotton 2009;Fichter et al 2011;Platzer and Müller 2011;Routledge and Cumbers 2009).…”

Temporary migration projects and voting rights

“…Schmidt (2006) and Fitzgerald and Hardy (2010) list various ways in which national labour unions have changed their mode of operation in order to be more efficient in organizing temporary migrants: cooperation with unions in the country of origin (see also Meardi 2012); creation of regional or global migrant workers unions (Gordon and Turner 2000, Waddington 2000, Cotton and Gumbrell-McCormick 2012; portability of trade union membership across borders or mutual recognition of affiliations between national trade unions (Ford 2013, p. 263, Rosewarne 2013; establishment of branches in the sending countries (Gordon 2007, p. 575); establishment of, or cooperation with, migrant worker centres that provide information, legal assistance and support to temporary migrant workers (Fine 2007, Choudry andThomas 2013); and integration of migrants into national labour unions, sometimes involving derogations to strict equality among unionized workers, in order to make special provisions for temporary migrants.…”