New Challenges, New Alliances: Union Politicization in a Post-NAFTA Era

• In Event: 056 - Regular Session. Labor: Beyond the Workplace

Abstract

The ascendency of neoliberalism and anti-state ideologies, the increase in corporate power and the global financial crisis have taken their toll on labor movements around the globe. Today the proportion of unionized workers in OECD countries is half what is was in the 1970s. This paper examines how North American unions are dealing with the crisis by strategically entering nontraditional advocacy areas -- immigration, environment, and trade -- to increase their relevance, influence, and allies. North American union positions vis-à-vis immigrants have shifted dramatically in recent years from support of draconian legislation to leading a broad-based movement for immigrants' rights. Unions joined with environmental organizations to form the BlueGreen Alliance in 2006 to advocate for environmental and worker protections through a green economy and green jobs. Unions have also continued their fair trade advocacy into the post-NAFTA era, fighting the Tran-Pacific Partnership and the Trans-Atlantic free trade agreements, as well as investor-state enforcement mechanisms and WTO loan conditions.

Author

• Tamara Kay, University of New Mexico