The unions in the maquiladoras. The persistence of the local in globalization

Abstract

This article shows that present day unionism in the maquiladoras of northern Mexico is the outcome of the interaction between local working conditions and international productive requirements. The answer of local unions to the maquiladora’s demands has resulted in the conformation of two types of union: the traditional kind, that strives to maintain its historical task of defending the workers rights, and a second kind that has perverted its original function by acting subserviently to the industry’s management while ignoring the workers. The affiliation to one or other kind depends on the strength or weakness of the unions and on the regional characteristics of the industrial plants. The local government structure —more concerned with stimulating foreign investment— as well as the ownership organizations have favored the subordinated unions, thus leaving a significant portion of the maquiladora workers unprotected.