Workers' education and neoliberal globalization: An adequate response to transnational corporations?

Believing that education is vital to improving the conditions of workers in the globalized economy, this study assesses the work of 10 leading worker education programs. The place of globalization in the programs and their stance toward international solidarity are analyzed, and the programs are ranked by using criteria to determine whether they are engaging in what the authors call "transformatory education" or "accommodatory education" with regard to neoliberal globalization. Case studies of the United Auto Workers-General Motors' (UAW-GM) paid educational leave, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations' (AFL-CIO) Common Sense Economics, the International Federation of Workers' Education Associations' (IFWEA) international study circles, and other programs show the strengths and flaws in contemporary workers' education. Arguing for a more cohesive response to confronting the transnational corporation-dominated global economy, this article presents a critically reflective approach that can be used by all social movement organizations concerned with globalization.