Global Labor Solidarity Attempts and the Lessons Learned

Abstract

This review essay uses recent books by Kate Bronfenbrenner and Gay W. Seidman to examine what types of transnational labor activism are most effective in defending the interests of workers. A number of themes are explored, including cultural distrust between unionists and activists in the Global South and Global North, the tension between reliance on international pressure and the need to build local organization, problems with global enforcement of labor standards, and above all, the important role of the state in enforcing worker rights and standards. Some conclusions are drawn, and the need for additional research is noted.