Time to Scale Up Cooperation? Unions, Non-Government Organisations and the International Anti-Sweatshop Movement

Abstract

Between 1991 and 2002 the international anti-sweatshop movement experienced significant growth. A series of interconnecting international networks developed, involving trade unions and non-government organisations in campaigns to persuade particular Transnational Corporations to ensure that labour rights are respected in the production of their goods. While the loose, networked form of organisation that characterises the movement has helped it to grow and progress despite its diverse constituency, arguably a lack of coordination has undermined its ability to achieve policy change. There is a need to develop new forms of global cooperation in order to avoid the movement fracturing and losing impetus.