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Workers’ transnational networks in times of austerity

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  • Markos Vogiatzoglou

    (Center on Social Movement Studies, European University Institute, Florence, Italy)

Abstract

This article describes the development of cross-national labour movement networks between Italy and Greece and explains why some of their efforts produced concrete results, while others did not. A typology of transnational movement networking is presented and then specific instances are examined: (a) the Italian and Greek trade union confederations’ efforts to coordinate their actions for the European Days of Action; (b) the 2005/2006 attempt to import to Greece the experience and practices of precarious workers in Italy; and (c) the cross-national campaign by workers occupying factories to bring together their experiences and to construct a common discourse on alternative modes of production. The article, based on rich empirical data gathered during six years, concludes with three main points: (i) Collaborative networks are more difficult to construct, but may prove stronger and richer than any other networking type. (ii) Cross-national structural similarities are not considered sufficient for labour collaboration: each national discursive context needs to be taken into account. (iii) Transnational action stands more chance of success if its immediate goals are tangible and rooted in real-life experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Markos Vogiatzoglou, 2015. "Workers’ transnational networks in times of austerity," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 21(2), pages 215-228, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:21:y:2015:i:2:p:215-228
    DOI: 10.1177/1024258915573193
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hyman, Richard, 2005. "Trade unions and the politics of the European social model," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 753, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Roland Erne & Markus Blaser, 2018. "Direct democracy and trade union action," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 24(2), pages 217-232, May.

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