Subject: AUT: Neo-Keynesian Globalism
Date: Tue, 02 Feb 1999 10:02:58 PST


Dear all

Masssimo may be correct or he may not - here in Liverpool we'll 
obviously debate his conclusions when they appear. But we are also 
sensitive here to 'straws in the wind' and I reproduce below a report 
from Labornet [where you we might actually start an argument over this,] 
where they seem to be looking forward to 'business as usual' 
representing the working class within a new neo-Keynesian framework. 

ITF or AFL/CIO as representatives of World Labour ? Look how they are 
already congratulating themselves on their role in "defeating the MAI" 
[a questionable assumption indeed].

Are the outlines of a global deal in the making or am I just being too 
cynical ? [Not beer and sandwiches this time you notice but a five star 
hotel in Davos, presumably the appointments will be just as luxurious in 
Seattle ?]


From: Sam Lanfranco <lanfran-AT-YorkU.CA> 
Reply-To: Forum on Labor in the Global Economy <LABOR-L-AT-YorkU.CA>
To: LABOR-L-AT-YorkU.CA
Subject: Labour Leaders to Target New Round of Global Trade Talks
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 22:17:02 -0500


The Toronto Star                                January 31, 1999

LABOUR LEADERS TO TARGET NEW ROUND OF GLOBAL TRADE TALKS

DAVOS, Switzerland - After helping defeat the Multilateral Agreement on 
Investment (MAI), labour leaders plan to turn their sights next on a 
proposed new round of global trade talks under the World Trade 
Organization.

This is part of a backlash by labour leaders who blame globalization for 
high unemployment, growing inequality and severe cutbacks to the social 
safety net.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum yesterday, John Sweeney, president 
of the American Federation of Labour, said the debate on the future 
world economic system ``can no longer be contained in closed rooms in 
luxurious hotels.''

Sweeney said labour leaders will be converging on Seattle at the end of 
November, when trade ministers from around the world meet to launch a 
new round of global trade negotiations, to demand that that this include 
a strong commitment to worker and human rights and the environment.

In particular, labour unions from around the world are demanding  that 
new trade agreements entrench the core labour standards of the 
International Labour Organization.

These are: freedom of association; the right to collective bargaining; 
no forced labour; no discrimination; and the elimination of child 
labour.

The terrible social and economic costs of the global financial crisis 
can have a sobering effect, Sweeney said.

''For two decades, conservative governments have been on a binge, 
dismantling controls over capital, currencies and corporations. Now we 
awake, the morning after, our heads aching, our hearts burdened
by the destruction we see around us.''



______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com


     --- from list aut-op-sy-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---