Re-Imagining Global Union Representation Under Globalisation: A Case of Seafaring Labour & the Nautilus International Cross-Border Merger

Authors

  • Victor Oyaro Gekara RMIT University
  • Iris Acejo Cardiff University
  • Helen Sampson Cardiff University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15173/glj.v4i3.1139

Keywords:

cross-border unions, innovative unions, Nautilus International, path-dependency, union capacity,

Abstract

This paper reflects on the opportunities and challenges for labour movement revitalisation through cross-border organising. It considers whether, and how, unions may innovate and present a united front, where transnational employers actively seek to divide and fragment labour for cost advantage. The analysis examines the relevance of path-dependency theory to an explanation of some of the observed limitations to innovation and adaptability among unions. In the light of growing debates about union renewal in the context of globalisation, we examine the obstacles to an effective response to global capital by national unions using the illustrative example of Nautilus International (NI). We conclude that cross-border union organising strategies, such as adopted by NI, are essential to sustain effective representation but great challenges, related to path-dependency exist.

Downloads

Published

2013-09-28

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3: September 2013

Section

ARTICLES

License

Global Labour Journal's authors grant the journal permission to publish, but they retain copyright of their manuscripts. The Global Labour Journal applies a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International License.

Under the terms of this licensing framework anyone is free to share, copy, distribute and transmit the work, under the following conditions:

  1. Attribution: You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work).
  2. Noncommercial Use: You may not use this work for commercial purposes.
  3. No Derivative Works: You may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.

For any reuse or distribution, you must make clear to others the license terms of this work.

Any of the above conditions can be waived if you get permission from the copyright holder, the author of the piece. The author's moral rights are retained in this license.