Abstract

MENDOZA, Carolina  and  ROMERO, Antonio. Free Commerce and Integration ¿How Does Labor Fit In?. Gaceta Laboral [online]. 2006, vol.12, n.3, pp.313-335. ISSN 1315-8597.

Abstract On the global economic scenario, the Latin American region presents great challenges. In the search for new economic development models, proposals for open and free commerce and integration are seen by the majority of the countries as highly complex options. Faced with the dilemmas of poverty, unemployment, labor market flexible-ization and deregulation, and the inequality and vulnerability of institutions, this continent is entering a process with more disadvantages than can be imagined. In this article we propose a general reflection on the Latina American environment that focuses on all aspects of the labor aspect, an element which has been placed on a minor plane when commercial freedom and integration are treated. The labor agenda that accompanies this process of free trade and integration should acquire a priority character. The benefits which could derive from economic integration models in Latin America are dependent upon the treatment given to the labor issue.

Keywords : Globalization; free commerce; integration; labor relations; Latin America.