MERCOSUR - HISTORY AND AIMS

The author describes progress towards the establishment of the Common Market of the Southern Cone, which he views as an historic opportunity for its member States: Argentina. Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. After a resume of the region's history and current situation and of the int ernal procedures for economic negotiations. he analyses the main socia l and labour tenets involved. A tripartite structure is to provide the cement between the building blocks: a charter of fundamental social r ights, common standards concerning freedom of movement, social securit y, etc. The problems of employment and working conditions are examined as is possible community-level collective bargaining.