Employment Relations and Global Governance: The Dialogue between the Global Unions and the IFIs

Globalization has created economic development opportunities, but it has also led to rising income inequality and poverty. International crises such as the 2008 financial and economic crisis and the global health pandemic have caused unemployment and income losses for workers. Intergovernmental organizations like the World Bank and IMF promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but they have been criticized for their internal political power imbalances and macroeconomic policy prescriptions. The Global Unions and their affiliates, as well as the International Labour Organization (ILO), regularly comment on the negative impact of the IFIs' policies on labor flexibilization and the privatization of public and social services. In 2002, a formalized dialogue was established between the Global Unions and the IFIs to address labor, social, and environmental issues. The ILO maintains its own dialogue with the IFIs and participates in the headquarters-level dialogue between the Global Unions and the IFIs. Employment Relations and Global Governance focuses on the headquarters-level dialogue, which is a strategic instrument for the Global Unions and their affiliates to exercise influence over the IFIs' policies, particularly those concerning workers. The book provides insights into the functioning of economic global governance institutions and their broader impact on the world of work. It is key reading for academics, researchers, and students studying global employment relations, political economy, and international organizations, as well as international and national trade unions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Globalization has brought about significant opportunities for economic development, yet it has also been linked to increasing income inequality and poverty. International crises, such as the 2008 international financial and economic crisis and the recent global health pandemic, have resulted in job losses and income decreases for workers, as well as a surge in the violation of their rights.

At the global level, intergovernmental organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) play influential roles in promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, these institutions have faced criticism for their internal power imbalances and their adherence to neo-liberal policies. Global unions and their affiliates, as well as the International Labour Organization (ILO), regularly express concerns about the negative impact of IMF policies on labor flexibility and the privatization of public and social services.

In 2002, a formalized dialogue was established between global unions and the IMF to address labor, social, and environmental issues. This dialogue takes place at three levels: the country level, the sector level, and the headquarters level. The ILO maintains its own dialogue with the IMF, but it also participates in the headquarters-level dialogue between global unions and the IMF.

Employment Relations and Global Governance focuses on the headquarters-level dialogue, which is considered a strategic tool for global unions and their affiliates to influence IMF policies, particularly those affecting workers. The book provides a detailed description and analysis of the development of this dialogue since its establishment, highlighting its significance in shaping international labor relations.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138208803