Unions and Trade: What Kind of Solidarity?

Abstract

Union solidarity is based on mutual self-interest and the logic of collective action. It requires a sense of shared identity and is created and developed in action. Workers in the North and in the South could see a mutual self-interest in opposing deep global economic integration, which reduces national policy space, weakens unions, and reduces the force of democratic institutions. They would jointly benefit from strengthened democracy and expanded national policy space. Their mutual support should focus on a basic framework, allowing nations and regions to differ. In advocating national policy space, they would also be able to join hands with many other social forces.