ABSTRACT
The globalization debate has become important in international policy circles in the Asia Pacific region. This chapter assesses the current state of research on the effect of globalization on the welfare of workers. It outlines some Australian trade union strategies to deal with the impact of globalization. The chapter focuses on 'economic globalization' - that is, the integration of national economies in terms of trade and investment. It aims to distinguishe between the effects of trade liberalization and other globalization effects that increase capital mobility. The advocates of trade liberalization and globalization usually argue about the 'efficiency gains', 'gains from trade', 'comparative advantage' and the elimination of 'dead weight losses'. Trade unions have a number of strategies available to them to deal with the adverse effects of globalization on workers. The chapter also outlines the debate on the effects of globalization on workers and has provided examples of trade union strategies in Australia used to deal with those effects.
