The Role Of Labour Unions In A Changing World Environment

Trade unions have been important institutions of industrial society; they have helped deliver significant outcomes in terms of improved living standards, equity and justice to workers all over the world. However, at the end of the twentieth century, unions face a situation marked by the universal trend towards greater liberalization of economic and political regimes. The changing environment requires new approaches and strategies on the part of unions if they are to remain major social actors contributing to dynamic and equitable growth. It is argued in this note that liberalization/globalization, which brings formidable challenges to unions, also provides them with opportunities to play a far more effective and politically important role in society.