Bringing the KMU Back Into Labor Discussions

• In Event: 036 - Section on Labor and Labor Movements Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 03. Social Movements and Labor Solidarity

Abstract

Although one of the three labor centers that was used to develop the theoretical concept of "social movement unionism," the KMU Labor Center of the Philippines has disappeared from discussions about labor.

Based on his earlier work, the author argued there's a lot to be learned from the KMU in a previous paper.

This paper reports the author's 2015 research trip with the KMU, and finds that the KMU is still engaged in social movement unionism, and that the strengths he earlier identified--organizational structure, extensive education program, and close connections to other sectoral organizations--has allowed it to survive a treacherous social environment for over 35 years. And that it should be reinserted into labor discussions.t

Author

• Kim Scipes, Purdue University Northwest