"Jet d'Eau" - Lake Leman, Geneva, Switzerland
Background
The
social aspects of the globalization of trade and industry with its
market economy have lead to massive disruption of the labor market and
caused the transfer of some production to countries with lower labor
costs and the elimination of jobs in many developed economies. The
social upheaval in those countries, where some production means have
been transferred to developing countries, causes irreparable harm to
workers who have lost their jobs. Yet, in those developing countries
where production facilities have been transferred, local people have new
sources of income, although frequently they do not have the protection
and safety that workers in developed countries have obtained over the
years through concerted action by workers, unions, and governments.
The
complex issues of globalization of industry and trade brings with it
issues related to strategic readjustments, for multinational companies,
governments, and social partners, This has created a new relationship
between producers and
consumers, resulting in a
struggle for many people to
meet basic needs for safe
and happy existence.
Eighty-eight years after the creation of the International Labor
Organization (ILO) and thirty-one years since the International Labor
Conference of the ILO issued its proclamation about
basic needs of living (1976),
globalization of the means of production has changed relationships
between labor and
capital.
Today,
co‑operation between multinationals and social partners (governments,
employers, and trade unions) is generally contentious. Too often
political parties and social partners fail to represent and defend
interests of the labor forces – (creators of well‑being.)
History reveals that a great body of research and publication about the social impact of globalization at national and international levels is insufficient to solve the problems faced today in the globalization of world trade. There is a need for strategies and programs that lead to solutions at grass roots levels.
To help create practical solutions to these problems, the Geneva Club of Common Thinkers and other world‑recognized specialists have set up the World Social Forum (WSF).