Union-NGO Tensions Slow Alternative Agenda's Progress

  
The strains between unions and social movements became apparent at the World Social Forum. Even more so than their US counterparts, European unions have not been engaged with the social movements fighting the effects of globalization, and in most of Latin America, civil society and unions are not working together. In fact, at the Buenos Aires Trade Ministerial that preceded the Quebec City Summit, unions and civil society organizations held separate demonstrations. Unions still feel that as mass-based organizations they can go it alone. Local NGOs have criticized many labor organizations for their lax behavior in fighting for the poor or defending the environment. Meanwhile, unions continue to see NGOs more as individuals or small groups of people rather than movements worthy of being their allies.

Little was done to overcome these differences at the WSF. One episode occurred at the February 3rd Conference on Perspectives of the Global Movement of Civil Society. Tough remarks were directed toward the labor movement by at least one panelist, Naomi Klein, a Canadian journalist and author. The moderator, Vittorio Agnoletto of the Genoa Social Forum, also made a sarcastic comment about the unions. Most shocking was the fact that almost half of the questions from the audience of around 300 people dealt with complaints about the lack of union involvement.

Although many thousands of union leaders and members participated in the WSF, their presence was discreet. Some of the younger members of the US delegation were heard to ask where the union leaders were. Few attended the events outside of their particular area. Another awkward moment came after the meeting of the Hemispheric Social Alliance's council, when it was rumored that the Inter-American Regional Workers' Organization (ORIT) was going to promote another "social alliance against the FTAA" due to a perceived lack of progress of the HSA campaign.

It is important to remember that all of these complaints are more about style than substance. Civil society's increasing rejection of corporate-based globalization is mirrored in the unions. Ultimately, however, it is doubtful that any real progress can be made on the issues without improved coordination between these groups. At this point, no efforts are underway.