THE TRANSNATIONALISM ROOTED IN PRODUCTION AND THE ‘PLACE’ OF THE GLOBAL UNION

Framil Filho, Ricardo; Mello e Silva, Leonardo

doi:10.1590/2238-38752023v1328

Abstract

In recent years, the idea of “new labor internationalism” has inspired controversy. The concrete developments emphasized by this debate (the emergence of “global unionism”) combined new strategies and traditional forms of union organization, confusing the established frameworks. In search of the nature of these hybrid arrangements, we explore what lies behind the “invention” of the global union as a new type of union organization, noting how the ideas of rooted transnationalism and network organization offered partial solutions to conflicts that permeate the relations between corporate and union powers. In particular, we discuss the emergence of global agreements and union networks in transnational corporations in manufacturing industries, and their adoption in Brazil. Our conclusion is that although the institutionalization of global unions has been hitherto precarious and contested, it has coherently articulated seemingly contradictory principles. However, given these hesitant compromises and tentative foundations, a critical and multiscalar sensibility is vital to unraveling the significance of the transnational practices of trade unions today.

Keywords:
New labor internationalism; Global union; Rooted transnationalism; Global Framework Agreements; Trade union networks.

[1] Leonardo Mello e Silva is professor at the Department of Sociology, University of São Paulo. He works with the themes of sociology of work and trade unionism, and supervises doctoral theses, master’s dissertations and undergraduate research. Recently, he organized, in collaboration, the special edition “Transnational labor struggles and political repertoires” (Tempo Social, 2021, v. 33, n. 2).

Brasil

Brasil

THE TRANSNATIONALISM ROOTED IN PRODUCTION AND THE ‘PLACE’ OF THE GLOBAL UNION¹ 1 The authors acknowledge the work of the anonymous reviewers who helped to clarify the arguments of this text.

O TRANSNACIONALISMO ENRAIZADO NA PRODUÇÃO E O ‘LUGAR’ DA UNIÃO GLOBAL

Abstract

Brasil

Brasil

THE TRANSNATIONALISM ROOTED IN PRODUCTION AND THE ‘PLACE’ OF THE GLOBAL UNION1 1 The authors acknowledge the work of the anonymous reviewers who helped to clarify the arguments of this text.

O TRANSNACIONALISMO ENRAIZADO NA PRODUÇÃO E O ‘LUGAR’ DA UNIÃO GLOBAL

Abstract

THE TRANSNATIONALISM ROOTED IN PRODUCTION AND THE ‘PLACE’ OF THE GLOBAL UNION¹ 1 The authors acknowledge the work of the anonymous reviewers who helped to clarify the arguments of this text.