In recent years, scholars and activists have identified the development of an
emerging new labour internationalism (NLI), and pointed to its impact upon the
structures and practices of international trade unionism (ITU). This article
addresses this issue through a case study of an international action opposing the
labour practices of McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food
retailer. The evidence reveals a complex picture. Even though many of the features
of the allegedly new labour internationalism are present, they seem to be more a
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