CYBERUNIONISM: GETTING LABOR ONLINE

ISSN： 1095-7960

Source： New Labor Forum, Vol.15, Iss.1, 2006-03, pp. : 95-101

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Abstract

In the early 1970's the AFL-CIO and its international unions were quick to adopt computer technology to help manage records of dues and membership. Since then, however, leaders have remained leery of going beyond prosaic computer uses. Today, however, a small and growing number of far-sighted locals are busy trying out promising web-based services for current and prospective members, and are developing dynamic local union websites that may yet show labor the importance of keeping up with the digital age. The labor movement is now coming to recognize that the use of the Internet, when in combination with personal tools such as home visits and shop floor chats, can be an effective tool in both day-to-day decision making and meeting the long term goals of organizing. Accordingly, both the AFL-CIO and the Coalition for Change, along with many of their national unions and locals, are busy upgrading their websites' value for their members. Enthusiasts in the labor movement believe that progress in this area can help "unionize" younger members, for whom computer use is second nature, while helping older members catch up. Among other advantages, they see the opportunity that interactivity offers for improved contact between officers and members, the 24/7 circulation of labor news, the availability of non-labor resources for members, and, overall, the branding of organized labor as a “smart” high-tech user, a player to reckon with in the Information Age. While many locals are eager to at least get off the starting line, the more computer-savvy locals are constantly seeking ways to significantly upgrade their use of computer power. The twelve field-tested steps sketched below should be useful to both types of users. These are drawn from the experience of pacesetting locals, the level at which one finds the most experimental work nowadays in labor, and will of course need to be adapted to each local's needs, as one size never fits all.