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Global Unions as imperfect multilateral organizations: An international relations perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Elizabeth Cotton

    (Middlesex University Business School, UK)

  • Rebecca Gumbrell-McCormick

    (University of London, UK)

Abstract

This study applies an international relations framework and the notion of multilateral organizations as a means of understanding the nature of trade union internationalism and the conditions under which it operates. The authors argue that international trade unionism involves an imperfect multilateralism which requires close working relationships between small groups of unions in order to function, that is, a ‘minilateral’ method of working. By using this framework the authors attempt to highlight the intrinsic durability and adaptability of the Global Unions and also identify areas of activity that serve to strengthen them as organizations, primarily by building affiliates’ engagement and investment in them.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Cotton & Rebecca Gumbrell-McCormick, 2012. "Global Unions as imperfect multilateral organizations: An international relations perspective," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 33(4), pages 707-728, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:33:y:2012:i:4:p:707-728
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X12436616
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Michele Ford & Michael Gillan, 2026. "The Global Union Federations and their affiliates: Constrained agency in action," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 47(1), pages 173-195, February.
    2. Reynald Bourque & Marc-Antonin Hennebert & Christian Lévesque & Gregor Murray, 2021. "Do international union alliances contribute to the effectiveness of international framework agreements? A comparative study of Telefonica and Portugal Telecom," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 42(3), pages 450-472, August.
    3. Yvonne Rueckert, 2021. "The Global Unions and global governance: Analysing the dialogue between the international trade union organizations and the international financial institutions," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 42(3), pages 766-784, August.
    4. Igor Guardiancich & Andrea Terlizzi & David Natali, 2023. "The social policy preferences of EU employers’ organizations: An exploratory analysis," European Journal of Industrial Relations, , vol. 29(3), pages 243-269, September.
    5. Catherine Casey & Helen Delaney & Antje Fiedler, 2025. "Transnational labour governance: Crafting the authority and regulatory effectiveness of global agreements," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(4), pages 1214-1237, November.
    6. Rebecca Gumbrell-McCormick & Richard Hyman, 2019. "Democracy in trade unions, democracy through trade unions?," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 40(1), pages 91-110, February.

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