THE EFFECTS OF GLOBALISATION ON WORKERS (2 hours)

Reports:

	Australia
	India
	Korea
	Pakistan
	Philippines
	Taiwan

Moderator’s Comments

Aims:

• to examine the effects of globalisation on workers and trade unions

• to understand the common problems faced by workers as a result of globalisation

Preparation for Facilitators:

• Facilitator’s Notes for Session Four

 Course Readings:

• The effects of globalisation on workers and trade unions (quotes)

1. The instruments of globalisation in other countries (45 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 Structural Adjustment Programme in your country. Do you agree with what other groups are suggesting about what strategies trade unions should adopt when negotiating with the IMF/World Bank and/or national government regarding the implementation of SAPs?

2. The effects of globalisation on workers and trade unions (1 hour)

Read the short quotes in the Course Handout for Session Four. Discuss in groups of two or three:

• How have workers experienced the issues outlined in the reading in your country?

• In what other ways have workers and trade unions been affected the Structural Adjustmet Programme in your country? Think about the effects in the workplace, community and society as a whole.

• How have workers and trade unions been affected by the operation of TNCs in your country?

• What other effects of globalisation have workers and trade unions experienced at a local and national level?

Each group should then report their discussions to the group as a whole, so that experiences can be shared and compared.

3. Communicating with other study circles (15 mins)

Discuss the report which you would like to send to other study circles. Give them a clear picture of how globalisation, including structural adjustment and TNCs, have affected workers and trade unions in your country. Your report should be sent to TSL in Finland by 1 April 1999.

4.Additional Reading

For more information on how globalisation has affected workers and trade unions, you can read: