INSTRUMENTS OF GLOBALISATION (2½ hours)

Reports:

	Australia
	India
	Korea
	Pakistan
	Philippines
	Taiwan

Moderator’s Comments

Aims:

• to understand the role of transnational corporations in the global economy

• to develop an awareness of structural adjusment programmes as part of the proces of globalisation

• to debate the role and powers of national governments

 Preparation for Facilitators:

• Session Three Notes for Facilitators

Course Readings:

• The Rise and Rise of TNCs.
• Chart: Structural Adjustment Programmes

Activities 

1. The features of globalisation in other countries (30 minutes)

Read the reports which have been sent by the study circles in other countries. Discuss what is similar and what is different to the features of globalisation in your country. What conclusions can you draw from all the reports on how globalisation is being experienced in different countries?

2. Transnational Corporations - the Giants of the Global Economy (45 minutes)

The group should read collectively the reading on "The Rise and Rise of TNCs". Discuss:

• How does your government try and attract foreign investment by transnational corporations?

• What are the implications of these policies for workers and trade unions?

3. Understanding Structural Adjustment (1 hour)

Put up the chart on "Structural Adjustment Programmes". Using the chart as a reference point, discuss:

• What are the main features of Structural Adjustment in your country?

• What should be the strategy of trade unions when negotiating Structural Adjustment policies with the IMF/World Bank and/or national government?

4. Communicating with other study circles (15 minutes)

Discuss the report which you would like to send to other study circles. Give them a clear picture of how your government is trying to attract transnational corporations, and what this has meant for workers and trade unions. You should also give information on how structural adjustment polices are being implemented in your country. It would also be useful for you to share your views on trade union stategies when negotiating structural adjustment policies. Your report should be sent by email to TSL in Finland by 18 March 1999.

5. Additional Material for Session Three

For more information on TNCs, Structural Adjustment Programmes and the role of the IMF and World Bank, you can read:

• Some powerful facts about TNCs
• Daewoo: Corporate Blackmail
• The Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI)