Protesters, World Trade Organization meeting, Seattle, Washington, 1999. © Getty Images. Reproduced by permission.

United States 1999

Synopsis

The World Trade Organization's week-long Third Ministerial meeting in Seattle, Washington, in November 1999 was the focus of protests by groups interested in a wide range of issues, including labor topics such as banning child labor and creating a global equitable minimum wage. International unions were most interested in drawing attention to the lack of worker rights. The event drew between 40,000 and 60,000 protesters from about 100 different nations and representing more than 700 organizations. Unusual alliances were forged during the event, including some between traditional foes such as environmental groups and union organizations. To date, it is still premature to label the event as either an uncharacteristic gathering spawned by millennial concerns or a significant demonstration of popular global concerns. The legacy of the Seattle demonstrations remains uncertain...