Workers’ transnational networks in times of austerity

Abstract

This article describes the development of cross-national labour movement networks between Italy and Greece and explains why some of their efforts produced concrete results, while others did not. A typology of transnational movement networking is presented and then specific instances are examined: (a) the Italian and Greek trade union confederations’ efforts to coordinate their actions for the European Days of Action; (b) the 2005/2006 attempt to import to Greece the experience and practices of precarious workers in Italy; and (c) the cross-national campaign by workers occupying factories to bring together their experiences and to construct a common discourse on alternative modes of production. The article, based on rich empirical data gathered during six years, concludes with three main points: (i) Collaborative networks are more difficult to construct, but may prove stronger and richer than any other networking type. (ii) Cross-national structural similarities are not considered sufficient for labour collaboration: each national discursive context needs to be taken into account. (iii) Transnational action stands more chance of success if its immediate goals are tangible and rooted in real-life experiences.