To what extent does global competition undermine the power of unions?The development of the market economy has, since the 18th century, led to the diffusion of 'a set of ideas, beliefs and practices throughout the developed world and much of the developing world. Today, the globalization of trade, capital, technology and innovation has accelerated the competitive conditions for businesses around the world. Globalization can be defined as the opening of markets to the forces of neoliberalism and capitalism; it is characterized by the free movement of people, talents, skills and capital (intellectual, social and economic) across international borders. All kinds of obstacles have been swept away, diffused or made obsolete by the forces of globalization: trade barriers, subsidies, geographic boundaries, linguistic and cultural differences. Technological advances have brought the world closer together and, in doing so, have affected the way in which employment and worker-employer relationships operate and develop. Multinational corporations as well as the public sector are affected by global competition. Neoliberalism essentially advocates free trade, private enterprise, the free movement of capital across borders and, above all, the restriction of the power of unions. It is important to study and discuss these restrictions because today's world is no longer governed by the orthodox laws of economics that supply equals demand (more or less). Instead, we are seeing radical inequality and volatility in market conditions. Unemployment remains woefully high in many parts of Europe, while many workers in parts of Asia and Africa are exploited and work long hours in extremely poor conditions for a pittance. of Workers: Works Cited Bryson, J., Daniels, P. and Warf, B. (2004) Service Worlds: People Organizations Technologies Oxford: Routledge. Davidow, W. and Malone, M. (1993) The Virtual Corporation. New York: Harper Business. Dolvik, J. and Waddington, J. (2004) “Organizing market services: are unions up to the task”. Economic and Industrial Democracy 25(1): 9-40. Eisenscher, M. (2002) “Is the secret to the future of work in its past? Working USA 5(4): 95-122. Taylor, P. and Bain, P. (2003) “Call Center Organizing in Adversity: From Excel to Vertex” in G. Gall (ed.) Union Organizing: Campaign for Unions Recognition, pp. 153-172 London: Routledge. Willman, P. (2004) “Structuring unions: the administrative rationality of collective action” in Kelly, J. and Willman, P. (eds.) Union Organization and Activity, pp. 73-89 London: Routledge.