To what extent does global competition undermine the power of unions? The development of free market economics since the 18th century has led to the spread of a variety of ideas, beliefs and practices throughout the developed and much of the developing world. Today, the globalization of trade, capital, technology and innovation has accelerated 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, capital (intellectual, social and economic) across international borders. All kinds of barriers have been swept away, diffused or rendered obsolete by the forces of globalization: trade barriers, subsidies, geographic borders, linguistic and cultural differences. Technological advances have brought the world closer together and, in the process, have influenced how employment relationships and worker/employer relationships operate and develop. Both multinationals and the public sector are affected by global competition. At its essence, neoliberalism supports free trade, private enterprise, the free flow of capital across borders, and, above all, restrictions on the power of unions. It is important to study and discuss these restrictions because the world today is no longer governed by the orthodox laws of economics where supply equals demand (more or less). Instead, we are seeing radical inequalities and volatility in market conditions. Unemployment remains frighteningly high in many parts of Europe, while many workers in parts of Asia and Africa suffer exploitation and work long hours in extremely poor conditions for a pittance. Below… middle of the paper… workers part: 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 Marketed 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.) Trade union organisation: Campaign for Trade 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.