ABSTRACT
As corporate globalization has progressed in the past decade, U.S. unions have stepped up cross-border organizing. They have tested a variety of fresh methods and models, most notably in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. After some historical and definitional comments, this essay will explore the benefits and drawbacks of four models of “North–South” cross-border organizing in the maquila industry: (1) coalitional organizing; (2) federation-to-federation organizing; (3) international campaign organizing; and (4) clandestine targeting. It will then discuss certain challenges that models of cross-border approaches commonly encounter, including how to expand the leadership of women and determine the responsibilities of outside monitors. It will examine how elements of the four models have been combined in two recent cross-border successes; and it will conclude by suggesting how the four models might operate bidirectionally in the maquila and other sectors.
