Workers, Unions, and Global Capitalism

Lessons from India

Nonfiction, History, Asian, Asia, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Workers, Unions, and Global Capitalism by Rohini Hensman, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Rohini Hensman ISBN: 9780231519564
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: January 27, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Rohini Hensman
ISBN: 9780231519564
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: January 27, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

While it's easy to blame globalization for shrinking job opportunities, dangerous declines in labor standards, and a host of related discontents, the "flattening" of the world has also created unprecedented opportunities for worker organization. By expanding employment in developing countries, especially for women, globalization has formed a basis for stronger workers' rights, even in remote sites of production.

Using India's labor movement as a model, Rohini Hensman charts the successes and failures, strengths and weaknesses, of the struggle for workers' rights and organization in a rich and varied nation. As Indian products gain wider acceptance in global markets, the disparities in employment conditions and union rights between such regions as the European Union and India's vast informal sector are exposed, raising the issue of globalization's implications for labor.

Hensman's study examines the unique pattern of "employees' unionism," which emerged in Bombay in the 1950s, before considering union responses to recent developments, especially the drive to form a national federation of independent unions. A key issue is how far unions can resist protectionist impulses and press for stronger global standards, along with the mechanisms to enforce them. After thoroughly unpacking this example, Hensman zooms out to trace the parameters of a global labor agenda, calling for a revival of trade unionism, the elimination of informal labor, and reductions in military spending to favor funding for comprehensive welfare and social security systems.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

While it's easy to blame globalization for shrinking job opportunities, dangerous declines in labor standards, and a host of related discontents, the "flattening" of the world has also created unprecedented opportunities for worker organization. By expanding employment in developing countries, especially for women, globalization has formed a basis for stronger workers' rights, even in remote sites of production.

Using India's labor movement as a model, Rohini Hensman charts the successes and failures, strengths and weaknesses, of the struggle for workers' rights and organization in a rich and varied nation. As Indian products gain wider acceptance in global markets, the disparities in employment conditions and union rights between such regions as the European Union and India's vast informal sector are exposed, raising the issue of globalization's implications for labor.

Hensman's study examines the unique pattern of "employees' unionism," which emerged in Bombay in the 1950s, before considering union responses to recent developments, especially the drive to form a national federation of independent unions. A key issue is how far unions can resist protectionist impulses and press for stronger global standards, along with the mechanisms to enforce them. After thoroughly unpacking this example, Hensman zooms out to trace the parameters of a global labor agenda, calling for a revival of trade unionism, the elimination of informal labor, and reductions in military spending to favor funding for comprehensive welfare and social security systems.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Capital of Capital by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book The Columbia Guide to American Indians of the Southwest by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book Oprah Winfrey and the Glamour of Misery by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book Human Ecology of Beringia by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book Annihilation from Within by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book Changing the Subject by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book States of War by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book Penis Envy and Other Bad Feelings by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, 1916–2016 by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book Acts of God and Man by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book On Civic Friendship by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book Studios Before the System by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book From Selma to Moscow by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book Sentimental Tales by Rohini Hensman
Cover of the book Chinese Women’s Cinema by Rohini Hensman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy