MODELS OF CROSS-BORDER ORGANIZING IN MAQUILA INDUSTRIES

Abstract

For nearly the past decade, U.S. unions have adopted innovative organizational approaches with workers in developing countries. Especially in the maquila industries of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, unions have attempted bilateral collaborations that have won worker benefits, legally recognized status, and in some cases, negotiated contracts. Four cross-border models are examined: international campaign organizing that emphasizes ethical consumer responses; clandestine targeting that accentuates local organizational development; federation organizing that commits union structures to bilateral efforts; coalition organizing that encompasses groups beyond traditional union constituencies. While all models involve bonafide organizing, clandestine targeting and federation organizing have been somewhat more successful at retaining a bi-directional union focus and at sustaining local union organizations.

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