Labour Internationalism in the Global South
The SIGTUR Initiative

An analysis of labour internationalism that explores in depth the experience of the Southern Initiative on Globalisation and Trade Union Rights (SIGTUR).

Robert O'Brien (Author)

9781108480918, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 January 2019

238 pages
23.5 x 15.6 x 1.7 cm, 0.48 kg

'Widespread claims have been made on the emergence of a new labour internationalism in response to the growing insecurity created by globalisation. This theoretically informed and scholarly book documents and analyses a little known but imaginative attempt to bring together over a thirty-year period a network of democratic trade unions in the Global South, the Southern Initiative on Globalisation and Trade Union Rights (SIGTUR). It is an inspiring account of women and men who continue to believe in the common fate of humanity and the obligation of the strong to support the weak. This readable book fills a long-standing gap in international political economy.' Edward Webster, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Labour internationalism is often viewed as impossible or inevitable, depending upon political perspective. O'Brien argues for a more nuanced, diverse understanding of labour internationalism, identifying six different 'faces', shaped by the national or global orientation of particular groups in the fields of production, regulation and ideas. Providing a general view of labour's global activity and a case study of the Southern Initiative on Globalisation and Trade Union Rights (SIGTUR), the book illustrates how the productive and regulatory structures of the global economy are pushing labour internationalism in particular directions. It details how leftist unions in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, the Philippines, South Africa, and South Korea have tried to bridge their differences and launch collective actions. Drawing upon twenty years of participant observation, O'Brien reveals a specific Global South approach based upon anti-imperialism, anti-capitalism and empathetic internationalism.

1. Six faces of labour internationalism
2. The national prism
3. The global prism
4. The origins and faces of SIGTUR
5. Building the SIGTUR identity and community
6. SIGTUR's mobilising structures and repertoire
7. Evolving labour internationalisms
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Employment & labour law [LNH], International organisations & institutions [LBBU], Development economics & emerging economies [KCM], Labour economics [KCF], Political activism [JPW], International relations [JPS], Sociology: work & labour [JHBL], Development studies [GTF]