Transnationalism in the regulation of labor relations: International regimes and transnational advocacy networks

This paper examines prospects for transnational advocacy and regimes as a w ay to buttress national labor laws and institutions in an interlocking mosa ic and thus ensure the continuation of strong systems of industrial relatio ns under conditions of increasing economic integration. We argue that there is a role for transnational solutions as a supplement to national systems, and eve assess the conditions necessary to make this approach effective. W e look at a variety of possible actors and arenas that could foster transna tionalism and provide illustrations of transnational advocacy and regime bu ilding. We conclude that elements of a multilevel, public-private transnati onal regime are present in some parts of the world and that these elements can occasionally be knit together. We find that prospects for an effective and sustainable system of transnational multi-level regulation are greater when regional integration pacts such as the EU and NAFTA create transnation al norms or forums. But, based on preliminary analysis of transnational adv ocacy and regulation in these two areas, we also conclude that no fully eff ective system has yet emerged.