Technology and activism

	LabourStart website

International Internet union activist, Eric Lee, spoke on the use of technology in the work of unions.

Eric Lee described the ways Internet campaigning is changing.

A few years ago, a campaign involving hundreds of participants would have been impressive. Today many campaigns involve thousands. Employers have become more sophisticated in use of the Internet.

Eric asked how unions can use technology to facilitate traditional campaigning methods and gave some examples.

Eric advocates using modern technology in innovative ways and combining the use of new technology with traditional union activities.

Mobile phone technology has the advantage that it cannot be blocked by employers. Social networking sites such as Facebook are proving effective in making initial contacts with potential members. International solidarity has been put in practice by unionists making online donations to striking workers in Russia.

The Internet allows us to involve trade unions in cross unions activities and support workers in states where union activities are suppressed.

Following Eric Lee's address, Assistant General Secretary (Communication and Technology), John Dixon gave the report on Technology and Activism.

John outlined the Federation's history of adopting new technology such as being the first union to use satellite technology (Sky Channel) to deliver information too members. We have email addresses for 44,000 members.

The Federation in now making regular use of vodcasts, rebroadcasting its own commercial advertisements and making its own video presentations. SMS alerts are being used on a trail basis to alert members of union actions. Advertising on commercial websites such as the Sydney Morning Herald have involved thousands of people in Federation campaigns.

Despite the successes of the past it is now time to move on in our use of technology.

The Federation will expand its Intranet to include member activists such as Federation Representatives and Executive.

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Last Modified: 07 Jul 2008