Cross-National Labor Organizing Strategies

Abstract

The globalization of the world economy requires new cross-national labor organizing strategies to overcome the process of downward harmonization. Several organizations in Central and North America are using innovative strategies to confront this "new world order." This article critically evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of these organizations' strategic choices by presenting and comparing several case studies. These case studies indicate that a combination of strategies, including worker rights petitions, consciousness-raising, community-based organizing, and cross-border union organizing, are necessary to improving global living standards and working conditions.