Global Policy Forum

Critics of globalization often condemn IMF and World Bank policies that push for privatization and labor market deregulation in poor countries. The International Confederation for Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) advises the institutions to focus less on such harmful economic policies and more on improving working conditions. Furthermore, the ICFTU urges the IMF and World Bank to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the participation of NGOs and trade unions.

The case studies in this International Confederation of Free Trade Unions publication show the victorious campaigns of some trade unions, labor unions and NGOs to resist the IMF and World Bank's "ideology of free markets and privatization," which tends to overshadow domestic needs. The report also discusses how these movements have influenced international financial institutions' policies on global issues such as core labor standards and debt relief.

Deep links exist between NGOs and trade unions. Many NGOs were established by unions and the two groups still work together in powerful coalitions and joint campaigns. But while the NGO sector has expanded rapidly in recent decades, the union movement has declined. The diversity between NGOs makes the movement impossible to pigeon hole, except that "it represents civil society's most visible response to globalization." The author states that unions must draw from NGOs' example and become the new civil society alternative. (Public Services International)

According to the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, independent trade unions are rare and union activities are strictly controlled by state or ruling party throughout the Middle East. In order to step up protection of workers' rights, NGOs from five Arab countries now established a regional organization to promote independent trade unions in the Middle East. (Advocacy Project)

The similarities and differences between Trade Unions and NGOs can be harnessed to effect global change. Increased solidarity and occasional compromise are needed to promote their common goal of world equality. (BOND)

In urging trade unionists to become more involved in international issues, the author says, "Trade unions are in a unique position to show that solidarity and internationalism are more than words or meaningless gestures. Throughout our structures, we have an ability to educate, inform and make a genuine difference." (Morning Star)

Labor has distanced itself from the potentially violent and militant anti-globalization movement since Sept. 11 However, recent labor activist projects foster hope for a union supported resurgence of the movement against globalization. (Labor Notes)

Various African trade unions convened in Nairobi, Kenya at the end of May to discuss the role of trade unions in the global justice movement. They discussed topics such as capacity building and program's of action. (International Confederation of Free Trade Unions)

On May 1st, the traditional day for labor protests, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions calls on workers across the world to use their "strength in numbers" to combat the "painful effects of globalization."

The absence of the US labor movement from civil society protests shows that unions ignore foreign policy unless "it affects union workers." However, the Yellow Times argues that labor should tackle the issues of foreign policy and human rights because "what affects working people in one part of the world affects all working people."

Labor support for "the war against terrorism" produced a split in the joint anti-globalization-trade union global justice movement. The author argues that the collapse of Enron and the faltering global economy provide common ground from which to revive the collaboration. (Civicus)

The late Pierre Bourdieu calls for civil society to work with a revitalized trade union movement in a "unified Social Europe." In the age of globalization, co-operation fosters an effective resistance to the "politics of depoliticization." (Open Democracy)

Trade union leaders attending the World Social Forum assert that the global labor movement must join with other groups in civil society to "more effectively challenge the socially destructive policies of the Washington consensus." (Third World Network)

This article examines the mutual suspicion between NGOs and trade unions when they collaborate to implement labor standards. Union members fear that NGOs undermine their leadership, yet some NGOs claim trade unions misrepresent "civil society." NGOs in El Salvador negotiated labor standards with the Gap at the Mandarin apparel factory, but trade union infighting prevented NGOs from supporting workers' rights at other facilities. The author argues that NGOs and trade unions can realize common interests if unions support NGO monitoring activities and take a lead in advocacy. (Carnegie Council)

An in depth article discussing the emergence of a global voice for the working class. (Journal of Foreign Affairs)