Workers’ Movements and the Global Supply Chain: Introduction

Abstract

Abstract The global supply chain crisis during the pandemic provides an opportunity to reflect on the vulnerabilities of the just-in-time model of capitalist production. As capital studies and prepares for risks to the global supply chain, so must workers if we are make global systemic changes needed to reverse the many catastrophic crises facing humanity. The articles in this forum re-examine unions and global workers organizing in seven countries to move us past the limited focus on collective bargaining, contracts, labor law, and unions tied to neoliberal political parties to identify and assess strategies for cross-border worker organizing at these choke points to apply pressure, extract gains, and tip the balance of power in their favor.