International Trade Union Solidarity in the Automobile Sector: The Case of Fiat-Chrysler

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the effects of globalization on international trade union solidarity taking as an example the automobile sector with a particular focus on the Fiat/Chrysler merger. The first part will provide a general overview of trade union global strategies at the international level demonstrated so far, while the second part will be more strictly focused on the automotive sector. In order to evaluate the present scenario and obstacles to the consolidation of transnational trade union solidarity, the article will consider the role of transnational actors such as Multinational Corporations, European Works Councils, World Works Councils, and Global Union Federations as well as practical instruments such as European Framework Agreements and International Framework Agreements in relation to the automotive sector and highlighting the recent case of the Fiat/Chrysler merger. This multinational enterprise was chosen due to its strategic importance for the national economy in both Italy and the United States, and the standardization of production that facilitates comparison, and because of the well-established system of industrial relations and trade union representation. In connection with this merger the potential of the above-mentioned international instruments will be evaluated as well as the evolution of the trade union solidarity till now.