Labour beyond borders and beyond the factory: transnational and trans-sectoral alliances in the past decade in Latin America

DOBRUSIN BRUNO

Oslo

Workshop; Labour and transnational action in times of crisis: from case studies to theory; 2014

Centre for Advanced Study, University of Oslo

The rapid advancement of neoliberalism is a driving force behind the restructuring of labour relations. The conventional trade union practices, based on industrial relations that included predominantly national actors (union, companies and governments) have been significantly altered by the transnationalization of capital and deep changes in the configuration of labour markets. In response to this situation, or as a consequence of it, labour movements have taken two different roads: defending the few unionised jobs while negotiating with capital, or extending the organizing capacities of unions beyond traditional economic sectors and conforming broader alliances in society. The purpose of this paper is to analyse these reactions of trade unions in Latin America, with a focus on the second aspect, that of cross-border (transnational) and cross-sectoral alliances. Trade unions in Latin America have been at the forefront of creating alliances with other social movements, especially on issues regarding regional integration processes. However, this strategy is a complex and sometimes contradictory one. These complexities will be outlined throughout this paper, with the intent of contributing to the much-needed discussion on trade unions as central actors in resisting neoliberal globalization