Brazilian Unionism and Global Union Networks: A Shortcut to the New Labor Internationalism?

Internationalization of trade unionism is not a new phenomenon. It is currently presented as a "new internationalism" as opposed to an "old" labor internationalism. The new internationalism is meant to be anchored in a break both with the issues (thematic approach to social movements) and with the means (the use of social networks) due to the "old" internationalism. In Brazil, there is a widespread belief among unionists that the constitution of trade union networks based on multinationals can function as counterweight to the advancement of neoliberal globalization. The supporters of that view bear that such initiatives could eventually update the notion of international solidarity, which is part of the labor movement historical heritage. The global union networks of multinationals are nowadays relatively well organized in some branches (chemical, metalworkers), though many accuse them of encouraging an enterprise microcorporatism at the expense of any collective wider interest. Additionally, the labor law reform initiated by the State promotes wage flexibility and encourages subcontracting. The picture is one where "internal" front points to a worsening in both employment conditions and use of labor force, while the "external" front is open to experiences of deliberative participation within corporations. The paper aims to explore this apparent paradox. Evidence brought are: the quantitative dimension of the union networks, their distribution across economic sectors, their guidelines and prospects, all captured throughout available secondary data, as well as interviews with managers and workers. The deepest reach of the union networks is intended to be sociologically measured in a scenario of restructuring, privatization and attacks on social rights. Thus, the paper seeks to raise the point that, in fact, the gap between the "old" and "new" labor internationalism unveils an underlying material and symbolic cleavage which opposes an "old" to a "new" working class.