It seems to me there are some significant differences in the global economy, though the data are probably somewhat unreliable. For example, the World Bank (1995) reports the following percentages for exports of goods and nonfactor services as a fraction of GDP: 1970 1993 Low income 7% 20% Lower middle income NA 22 Upper middle income 15 21 High income 14 20 Further, in 1995, with 20-25% of the stock of FDI, developing countries received 40% of new flows, concentrated in the ones with a relatively educated but low-paid workforce. Prior to the trade agreements of the postwar era, poorer countries were coerced into becoming and remaining raw materials exporters and FDI reflected that. They are now sometimes getting the equipment, technology, and foreign markets to produce sophisticated manufactured goods that compete with industrial country workers. This must make a difference to their bargaining power, and to the strategies necessary to winning strikes. June June Zaccone, 90 La Salle St., Apt.21A, NYC 10027; 864-4493 [EMAIL PROTECTED] National Jobs for All Coalition, 475 Riverside Dr., Suite 832, NY, NY 10115-0050 212-870-3449; Fax 870-3341 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ps I didn't choose 1970--the WB did.