Spartacus Review

Volume 34: 24th June, 2009

Trade Union History

Title: Global Unions, Global Business

Author: Richard Croucher and Elizabeth Cotton

Editor:

Publisher: Middlesex University Press

Price: £19.95

Bookshop: Amazon

Spartacus Website: British Trade Unionism

Category:

Global Unions, Global Business looks at a little understood aspect of globalization: the role of the Global Union Federations. The book outlines the way that they relate to multinational companies through agreements and structured collaboration, and uses detailed examples of their activities including an in-depth case study of one of the GUF’s dealings with a major multinational company. Throughout the book the authors explore the previously unknown internal lives of the Global Union Federations and propose ideas about how they can strengthen their position internationally, including their resource base. Global Unions, Global Business is a unique contribution to existing literature on globalization, and throws new light both on the international trade union movement and its relations with multinational companies. The book will be of interest to all those interested in the future of trade unionism, multinational companies and corporate social responsibility.