Comparative Labor Movements

This course will examine labor movements in the advanced industrialized economies of Western Europe as well as in the industrializing economies of Latin America, Africa and Asia. The course will focus on differences and similarities among and between these labor movements and the U.S. labor movement in terms of union density, collective bargaining structure, and industrial relations at the plant level. Among the main topics addressed in this course is globalization and its impact on labor movements throughout the world. The course will address critical issues confronting labor movements in the industrializing economies, particularly the "Southern cone" (Chile, Argentina and Uruguay); Mexico; Brazil; South Africa; China; and India. Particular attention will be paid to the relationship between unions and political systems in the U.S. and other nations. The course will explore relationships between workers and works councils in Western Europe; the relationship between unions and political action; the challenges of immigration, diversity and declining union power globally; and strategies for revitalization of labor movements in the industrialized democracies. The course will also study labor movements under authoritarian regimes and military dictatorships, examining the role of unions in struggles for democracy.

Fall, Spring