The networked union? The internet as a challenge to trade union identity and roles

Abstract

PurposeThe article aims to look at the development of the internet in terms of its implications for the labour movement and its international activities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper brings together conclusions and findings based on the previous work of the two individual authors who have studied the role of the internet from a national and international perspective, using a range of methodologies.FindingsThe impact of the internet in terms of facilitating communication and renewal strategies has been highly significant. However, the authors argue that such developments are also mediated by trade union structures and organisational traditions/ideologies at the national level where there is still a considerable degree of variety. It also looks and focuses on some of the challenges of international labour co‐ordination through the use of the internet, noting some of the difficulties faced by trade unionists. The paper therefore brings together insights into the way organisations such as trade unions interact with such developments both at the national and international level.Originality/valueThe article emphasises the need to develop a political and sociological understanding of the internet within industrial relations and in terms of future research.

Unions, social media and young workers—evidence from the UK

“…In contrast to this, other writers were less optimistic, citing the need to avoid the binary contrast between ‘bureaucracy’ and the ‘Internet’ (Martinez Lucio, : 338), calling for a more nuanced understanding of union communications online (Martinez Lucio and Walker, ; Martinez Lucio et al , ). This requires acknowledgement of the political dimension of unionism as ‘as well as opening up new communication spaces, the Internet can be used by pre‐existing technological and organisational elites both within and beyond leadership structures to close down or restrict discussions’ (Martinez Lucio et al , : 117).…”

“…A complex relationship exists between young workers and unions, with the extant literature, suggesting that while young workers are not against unionisation, membership among this age group is particularly low (Hodder and Kretsos, ). Much has been written about the potential for unions to embrace the Internet (Greene et al , ; Martinez Lucio and Walker, ) and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube (Bryson et al , ; Panogiotopolus and Barnett, ) to engage young workers and improve levels of organisation and activism. It has been suggested that these new technologies are ‘changing the face of community engagement because of their ability to recruit people to causes, organize collective action, raise awareness, influence attitudes, raise funds, and communicate with decision‐makers’ (McAllister, : 93).…”

Striking with social media: The contested (online) terrain of workplace conflict

“…In terms of collective workplace action and solidarity, we must assess the ability of web based communication to transcend not just the content but more importantly the form of power and authority in trade unions (Martinez Lucio, 2003;Martinez Lucio and Walker, 2005). In a recent review of trade union use of the internet more generally, Richards (2010: 10) concludes that trade union members are 'more intense users of ICTs than their nonunionised counterparts'.…”

“…Much has been written on trade union use of the web, either as a tool for organising or as a vehicle by which existing power relations (such as employer and union leaderships) can be challenged (Hogan and Greene, 2002;Cockfield, 2005: Martinez Lucio and Walker, 2005: Mosco, 2014). …”

The Internet, employment and Polish migrant workers: communication, activism and competition in the new organisational spaces

“…Yet, irrespective of official views of the Internet and their link with labour (such as Lee's) and more activist‐oriented approaches such as Greene and Hogan, unions have advanced greatly in their ability to engage with the Internet and create centrally controlled spaces for intra‐ and extra‐union communications. The Internet and its impact are in part mediated by trade union traditions, structures and identity (Martínez Lucio, 2003; Martínez Lucio and Walker, 2005). The significance of this argument is that the Internet is mediated and used in a variety of ways.…”