New and Old Unionisms: A Comparative Study of Trade Union Movements in the United States and Brazil

Introduction

In his book "New and Old Unionisms," Marcelo Badaró Mattos offers a comparative study of trade union movements in the United States and Brazil. Mattos argues that the decline of traditional unionism in both countries has led to the emergence of new forms of unionism that are better suited to the challenges of the global economy.

The Decline of Traditional Unionism

Traditional unionism, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was based on the mass mobilization of workers in large industrial unions. These unions were able to win significant concessions from employers, including higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions.

However, the decline of manufacturing in the United States and Brazil in the late 20th century led to a decline in the membership of traditional unions. This decline was also due to the increasing power of multinational corporations, which were able to relocate their operations to countries with lower labor costs.

The Rise of New Unionism

In response to the decline of traditional unionism, new forms of unionism have emerged in the United States and Brazil. These new unions are more decentralized and flexible than traditional unions, and they focus on organizing workers in a variety of industries, including service industries and the public sector.

New unions have also been more successful in organizing immigrant workers and women workers, who have traditionally been underrepresented in unions. These unions have also been more willing to engage in social movements and political activism, and they have played a key role in fighting for social justice and economic equality.

Comparative Analysis

Mattos compares the new unionism in the United States and Brazil in terms of their structure, strategies, and challenges. He finds that there are a number of similarities between the two movements, but there are also some important differences.

For example, new unions in the United States are more likely to be affiliated with the AFL-CIO, the largest labor federation in the country. In Brazil, new unions are more likely to be independent of the country's two main labor federations.

New unions in the United States also tend to be more focused on collective bargaining, while new unions in Brazil are more likely to be involved in social movements and political activism.

Despite these differences, Mattos argues that the new unionism in the United States and Brazil is a promising development for the labor movement. These new unions are better suited to the challenges of the global economy, and they have the potential to revitalize the labor movement and fight for social justice and economic equality.

Conclusion

"New and Old Unionisms" is a valuable contribution to the study of labor movements in the United States and Brazil. Mattos provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the decline of traditional unionism and the rise of new unionism. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of the labor movement.

Why You Should Buy This Book

If you are interested in the labor movement, social justice, or economic equality, then you should buy this book. "New and Old Unionisms" is a well-written and informative book that provides a unique perspective on the challenges facing the labor movement in the 21st century. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the future of work.