Maquiladoras

This pioneering volume presents an in-depth examination of the maquiladora phenomenon written by experts on the subject. The contributors focus on three vital dimensions of the maquiladora issue: the impact of the maquilas on workers and economic development in both the U.S. and Mexico; the success or failure of the maquilas on an industry by industry basis; and the strategic aspects of the maquiladora program from geopoltical and macroeconomic perspectives. The controversial aspects of the maquilas--their impact on local pollution, unemployment and labor market exploitation--also receive extended coverage.

This book describes how workers, unions and NGOs from four Central American countries--Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua--fought back and struggled for social justice alongside US-based unions and NGOs.

To understand contemporary Mexico, it is absolutely necessary to examine its level of development, and its relationship with the rest of the world. The level of development will, most likely, be related to the world system network, although the concepts are not identical. In Understanding Mexico and Mexico City in the World Economy, the authors aim to determine Mexico's level of development, and how Mexico fits into the world system. Their research provides outcomes that will develop a more refined world systems approach. Helpful illustrations are included throughout the text.

"David Bacon reminds Americans of something we often forget: that NAFTA is meant to be a multilateral agreement, and that it was supposed to bring huge benefits to Mexico. Did it? Bravo to David Bacon for his tough-minded, unsparing portrait of working life at globalization's ground zero."--Ray Suarez, senior correspondent, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and author of "The Old Neighborhood: What We Lost in the Great Suburban Migration

"David Bacon brings to life the heroes and villains on the front lines of the battle for human dignity under NAFTA--the world's most extreme experiment in free market fundamentalism."--Sarah Anderson, Director, Global Economy Project, Institute for Policy Studies

"Built from vivid, firsthand accounts, this is an extraordinary mural portrait of a border that few North Americans know anything about: of a working class fighting for survival on the unequal playing ground of NAFTA, where labor rights are almost always dishonored and where activists often end up blacklisted, jailed, or even desparecido. Bacon wonderfully coveys the passion, urgency and historical importance of the daily struggles to humanize the cold ultra-capitalist world of NAFTA."--Mike Davis, author of "City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles

"David Bacon has put a human face on the devastating impact of NAFTA on workers here and abroad. Our economic future as a nation depends on the knowledge contained in this book. A must read! !Si Se Puede!"--Dolores Huerta, Co-founder, United Farm Workers Union, President, Dolores Huerta Foundation

"David Bacon represents the fine old tradition of American working-class journalism at its best. He's gone everywhere--from tiny Mexicanvillages to the baking hot fields of California agribusiness--to get the real lowdown on NAFTA's effects on the blue collar people who hardly ever get a hearing in the mainstream press."--Barbara Ehrenreich, author of "Nickel

On the Rim of Mexico addresses the ties & asymmetries across the Mexico-U.S. border, from Tijuana/San Diego to Matamoros/Brownsville. Based on author Ramon Ruiz's extensive travels, remembrances, & first-hand interviews with the people of the Mexican side, the book probes the history, economics, & customs which have shaped this region today. While the author considers many timely issues: the impact of drug trafficking, legal & illegal immigration, assembly plants & the global economy, & the ecological disaster in the making, the book is also an examination of the borderlands themselves: what they are, how they came to be, & salient aspects of life in this region of the world. Moreover, it is an exploration of binational themes. For Mexicans who live & die next door to the almighty Uncle Sam, nearly everything has a binational ring-even personal identity. On the Rim of Mexico is a moving portrait of the people, places, & issues which make-up border life today.