INTRODUCTION

Communication is a skill which is used to provide and receive information. How one receives and provides this information is one issue, the other is what information is being provided or received. At a basic human level, communication can exist through verbal or non-verbal cues, such as what is said, how we say it, and the position of our bodies. What makes communication effective is the ability of the provider to have the skills and tools available to send information, and the receiver to also have to the skills and tools to obtain the information. Throughout the history of humankind communication has evolved from using basic sounds and visual images such as drumming or cave drawings, to more advanced sounds such as music, language and sirens, and visually through written language.

The tools which make communication effective have also evolved. The inventions of the telephone, and printing press changed dramatically how people could communicate with each other, as distance was no longer an obstacle, and through books and newspapers, numerous peoples could be reached. Television, film and radio has also created a medium by which communication could be provided. The media of television, newspapers, radio have also been stifled as an completely effective tool of communication, as these have always been owned by a source, usually capitalist, therefore the actual information is either edited or censored in order to meet the needs of the owners, be it state or private.

Since the digital revolution of the 1970's, new technology has changed the way in which information can be provided/received. How this technology works is not necessarily required in order to discuss the fact that a product of technology, the computer, is being utilized to communicate. Within capitalism, time is of most importance, as the more produced within a shorter period of time, the more surplus value, therefore the higher profit.

"A fundamental prerequisite of the evolution of international production and of the transnational corporation is the technologies which overcome the frictions of space and time"¹

Through the use of computers as a tool of communication, capitalism has been able to decrease the amount of time and increase productivity, and consequently has expanded into international markets, having further developed a global economy.

The information highway is a result of this internationalization and globalization of the economy:

"The highway is a webwork of powerful (high capacity) computer-communications networks capable of handling everything from video to voice, text to computer data and graphics, interchangeably, interactively, and at lightning speeds."²

This information highway does to the technological revolution, what the railway did for the industrial revolution, by changing the infrastructure of the economy. Similar to the mass media, the information highway is also predominantly owned by capitalism, and uses it only to its own advantages therefore, communication is used for transmission purposes only, not necessarily as a public service. The information highway is also utilized as tool for consumerism and information receiving, thus creating only a one way path, as the public does yet have the resources or the money to compete on the scale of the large corporations.

Not only is the tool which is used important in communication, but also the information which is put into the system. As described above, the capitalists use the information highway in a transmission model, that is, information becomes a product or commodity.³ Another form of information is the community-communications model,⁴ that is information which is used for public service, where time isn't money, and where everyone and anyone has access to provide and/or receive information, which may benefit all. Within the information highway is 'The Internet' which provides a forum for anyone to communicate by computer:

"..., the Internet represents an alternative infrastructure model for the postindustrial society. A network of networks, including community freenets, public discussion groups, and organizational Web-sites and related home pages of multi-media information,... The Internet offers a user-driven infrastructure-development path more along the lines of community communications than commodity transmission."⁵

The Internet is inexpensive to access, but one does need a computer and hardware and software, in order to use the service to it's most advantage.

The capitalists are using the computer as tool to enhance their agenda of increased production with decreased time and therefore having effects, such as structural changes to their companies. These changes include redundancies, segregation of the workforce, and with segregation of the workforce comes a decline of working conditions and increased unemployment. The workforce represented by trade unions, need to also utilize the computer as a form of communication, in order to work at the same level as the capitalists and to fight back against the decline in working conditions and mass unemployment. The following project will consider the utlization of computers as a tool of communication for the trade union movement.

RATIONALE FOR SELECTION OF TOPIC

As discussed in the introduction, the capitalists are utilizing computers as a tool of communication, and the trade union movement also needs to consider this option of communication. An example of how the trade union movement is able to utilize the computer as a tool of communication is outlined below:

UNITED NURSES OF ALBERTA (UNA) is a trade union representing nurses in the province of Alberta, Canada. The union is a provincial union, which is divided into districts, then locals. During the negotiations of 1992, the union had approximately 125 locals representing an estimate of 13 000 members. The negotiations were provincialy led, with elected representatives from each of the districts, the hospitals were represented by an employers association (AHA). Previous rounds of negotiations usually meant that the AHA were able to provide information quickly to it's hospitals by means of fax machines. Plastered on bulletin boards throughout the province would be photocopies of information provided by the employer regarding their interpretations of the state of negotiations. The locals found they were constantly having to defend the unions' positions and dismiss mostly wrong information. The union found that it was in a defensive situation and needed to consider how it could place itself in a more offensive position, and therefore placing the focus on the task at hand, negotiations. Providing each local with a fax machine was considered as an option for providing quick and accurate information to the membership. This idea was soon dismissed, when it came to light that a large number of locals were also looking for funds to set up computers to create documents, posters, develop membership lists, set up accounts and communicate with each other as well as other unions. Instead of allocating funds to set up fax machines, the union agreed to allocate the funds to develop a network where each local would have access to e-mail, bulletin boards, and the Internet. So during the negotiations of 1992, a small amount of locals were connected, therefore, information was provided to the membership quickly, efficiently, and accurately. The employer soon found themselves dealing with informed membership, and therefore the process of negotiations was more effective.

The above anecdote is of particular interest to me as I was a president of one of the aforementioned locals. Prior to my involvement in computer technology in my capacity as local president, I had no previous experience with using computers. The union provided me with education as well as 'hands on' experience in how the computer could be used to develop a communication network. I found that by using the computer as a communication tool I was more able to inform the membership more quickly of any developments, therefore I was experiencing an informed membership. The more informed the membership became the more they wanted to know and the more involved they became. The local became what is known as a strong and active local, with the membership working in solidarity in fighting for their rights.

Whilst involved in the trade union movement in England I found that when questioned, few grassroots members of trade unions had access to a computer for communication purposes. Upon further investigation I also found that few unions were connected to each other by computers, and that some union members were arguing that their unions should not be using the computer as a tool of communication. I felt that trade unions may not be using computers as a main form of communication, and that this needed to be investigated, especially after the positive experience that I have had using the computer as a tool of communication.

In order to investigate further the trade unions use of computers as a communication tool, one shall survey a set number of unions with a series of question, analyse the results, and provide recommendations.

TRADE UNIONS AND THE INTERNET

Workers throughout the world can now be in control of receiving and providing information via the most democratic form of communication, The Internet. The five major components of the Internet are e-mail, mailing lists, conferences, the World Wide Web, and the transfer of information between each other. Anyone can have access to information via-e-mail, anyone can be placed on mailing lists, and global conferences can be held on the Internet. No-one can stop people from accessing, retrieving and reading information on the Internet. The cost of engaging on the Internet can cost less than post, fax, and telexes, which then makes access easier.

The trade union movement has been slow to realize the potential of the Internet, but for those who have grasped the Internet it has become a tool which even the most disillusioned person could see its benefits. One of the premier networks began in 1986 in Canada. SOLINET, (Solidarity Computer Conferencing Network) was created by Marc Belanger, for CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees), and begun with only 1500 users, which included CUPE locals and other unions. Solinet was found '(to create) a sense of community among CUPE locals by providing them with news information and support'.⁶ The network has acted as a model for other trade unions to get on line, due to it's successfulness. Not only is the network a valuable tool for it's members, but also internationally, since it's creation of a World Wide Web page.

Another dominant network in the Labour pages of the World Wide Web is the American 'ICG-Labornet' which was established in 1992. It provides bulletin boards, conferences, and links to many labour organisations throughout the world. It provides a forum where trade unionists from Russia, can communicate freely with trade unionists from Britain, etc., etc. The possibilities are endless.

The North Americans are not the only people who have seized the power of using computer technology for information, as the Russians as well have developed an effective network for trade unionists:

"In May 1995, in the ex-USSR and mostly in Russia, already 30-35 trade unions and individuals associated with labour issues/activities were using e-mail and other e-mail facilities."⁷

Glasnet, in Russia has provided conferences in both Russian and English to 'provide unions and other users on the net with electronic forums to exchange information and to discuss various labour-related issues'.⁸ These conferences, helped to provide an international solidarity among trade unionist by looking at ways in which more unions and labour organizations can get connected and share information.

The British Trade Union Movement has also started to utilize computers for information purposes. UNISON was the first British union to set up a web page in 1995, and prior to the web page about 60 of UNISON's local's were using POPTEL, 'one of the first labour networks in the world'.⁹ Union-d is another form of labour communication, which was developed to provide e-mail based discussion groups. Within the British Labour movement some exciting information is being transmitted. In 1995, Chris Bailey, a trade unionist and student of European Labour Studies, was partly responsible for creating a free web page via GreenNet for any trade union who is in a dispute. An example of how successful this page has been is illustrated by the Liverpool Dockers lockout. Since the information regarding the strike has gone out on the WWW, people from all over the world have responded to their plight, and they have received support from trade unions in Australia and America, it was discovered that their counterpart unions received the information regarding the lockout via the WWW, and have been active in their workplaces to support the dockers.

Internationally, the Internet seems to have created a space for those who are not organized or live in oppressive countries, and have gained the assistance of those who are organized, after all, the fight for workers rights needs assistance wherever needed. An example of how the Internet aided workers is as follows, that in February 1995, people in the city of San Cristobal, in Chiapas, Mexico were being denied food and land by the government since the Zapatista were conquested, and that there was a media blackout of the event.¹⁰ This message was sent to the world via the Internet, and the people there were then provided with International support. During the half day conference of The International Book Fair of Radical and Black and 3rd World books, many speakers from Southern Nations were able to give accounts of how communicating by e-mail or the Internet, has helped to develop their own trade union movement, and their plights against the employer. One speaker, Errol McLeod, President General of the Oilfields Workers Trade Union in Trinidad and Tobago, commented on how the Caribbean Trade Union Movement has set up dialogue and have access to information with American Trade Unions, to help improve working conditions in the Caribbean, as many American companies were setting up there.

Although there continues to be a significant amount of positive actions taking place via the Internet, there still seems to be a fairly negative attitude towards using computers as a major form of communication. Cost seems to be one major factor as to why unions are not connected, as one speaker from an African country stated at the above mentioned conference, commented that his members were lucky to have telephones in the homes, and that there was little chance of them receiving computers. At this point in the conference, some of the Western Trade Unionists, were offering some of their used computers. Another concern voiced has been the issue of security when using the Internet. But this argument is based on ignorance, as the Internet may be safer then regular paper and post:

"Computer files and e-mail are at least as secure as their paper equivalents, probably more so. Each e-mail subscriber has a private 'electronic mailbox' to which access is controlled by means of a confidential password."¹¹

Other arguments against the Internet is that it is a capitalist tool, but what is being referred to is the information highway, not the Internet. It is not unusual for people to feel anxious when using something that is new and so powerful, which then proves that further education is needed in order to develop the use of the Internet.

On a survey done by Labour Research in 1993, head offices of unions were not very helpful when the locals wanted to expand their communications network, as they do not see branch level technology as a priority, feeling that the head offices had to set up more developed systems nationally and internationally.¹² Another negative aspect voiced regarding the Computerization of information has been that this keeps people away from seeing each other, and can only connect in Cyberspace. But this is not always true, just because one uses computers as a tool of communication, doesn't mean that the traditional methods of communication have to be dismantled.

This project will identify which types of unions are using the Internet, if and how they are using it, if not, why not, and what is the head offices ideas of what is going on at the local level.

METHODOLOGY AND PLAN OF INVESTIGATION

• Firstly, I decided to establish as to whether or not this type of survey had been previously implemented, by researching what has been published, asking trade unionists who are Internet enthusiasts, and searching my e-mail messages and the WWW, none was presented to my knowledge. A book on the subject is currently in press, but there has been no survey of this type done. A survey was sent to me by E-mail, but it was looking at e-mail and its affect on social justice and progressive political activism.¹³ Another small survey was developed by Labour Research in 1993. but it was focused on head office's attitudes towards local branches using computers, and what help and advice they gave.¹⁴ I also attended two conferences on the trade union movement use of Computerization.

• Secondly, a hypothesis was formed so that the questions asked in the survey have a purpose.

  The chosen hypothesis for this research project is:

  The trade union movement is utilizing computers as a tool of communication.

• Thirdly, a set of questions was formulated. Once the questions are formulated, then a pilot survey must be implemented.

  The pilot survey consisted of providing ten surveys to a random selection of respondents. The following are the changes that were implemented:

  Please refer to pilot survey on pages 2-4 of appendix.

  • The covering letter required some changes identifying why I am doing the project, and what I am studying.

  • Questions of name of the union and the total membership were added, in order to clarify who was responding, and to ascertain if there is a relationship between the number of members and the use of computers.

  • In question #1, the tools of communication required ranking from 1-6, otherwise it was too confusing for the respondent.

  • The statements 'If no for any of the following go to question 4. If yes go to question 3' were eliminated in question # 2 as they created confusion. The respondents were then just asked to answer all questions.

  • The word 'information' was added in the columns in question #3, as some respondents were unfamiliar with the terms 'providing and searching'. Added to the list, was 'details about unions' as suggested by a respondent.

  • Suggestions were made to add to the list in question #4 were: unfamiliar with use of computers, unfamiliar with use of Internet, lack of training, and lack of equipment.

  • The letter and the survey were then esthetically amended.

• Fourthy, a final edition of questions were established.

1. What is your union's name?

   This question was asked to establish which unions were responding to the survey, as well as where the unions were from.

2. How many members does your union consist of?

   This is asked to ascertain if there is a relationship between the number of members and the use of computers as a communication tool.

3. Within your union, what are your main forms of communication?

   Please rank the following in order of frequency of use with '1' being most frequent and '6' being the least frequent.

   .	With your Membership	With other Unions Nationally	With other Unions Internationally
   Telephone	.	.	.
   Fax	.	.	.
   Post	.	.	.
   Computers	.	.	.
   Telex	.	.	.
   Meetings	.	.	.
   Other. Please Specify	.	.	.

   This question was asked to establish how unions are presently communicating to their membership, other unions nationally, and other unions internationally. The listed tools of communication is the most well-known forms of communication, based on experience of working in a trade unions. Placing 'Other, Please Specify' was added in case a form of communication was being used, which wasn't mentioned.

4. If your union is not using computers as a main form of communication, why not?

   Please tick any of the following:

   Unfamiliar with computers	.
   Unfamiliar with the Internet	.
   Too Expensive	.
   Still considering	.
   Lack of training	.
   Lack of Equipment	.
   Not a priority. Please explain	.

   This question is asked to establish if unions are not using computer, why not. The listed reasons were taken from discussions with grassroots trade unionists who currently are not using computers as a tool for communication. The box marked 'Not a priority, Please explain' is placed to find out there was any other reason why a union does not use the computer as a communication tool.

5. Does your union use computers for the following?

   Please tick all that applies.

   Internal Electronic Mail	.
   External Electronic Mail	.
   Internet Access	.

   Based on personal experience these are the most common use of computers when used for communication purposes.

6. If answered yes to the above, how is your unions utilizing the services?

   Please tick all that apply.

   .	Providing Information	Searching Information
   Arbitration	.	.
   Health and Safety	.	.
   World Wide Web Page	.	.
   Bulletin Boards	.	.
   Email Lists	.	.
   Arbitration Decisions	.	.
   Details about Unions	.	.
   Constitution/Rule Book	.	.
   Collective Agreements	.	.
   On Negotiations	.	.
   On Disputes	.	.
   Other. Please Specify	.	.

   This question is asked to establish if unions are not using computer, why not. The listed reasons were taken from discussions with grassroots trade unionists who currently are not using computers as a tool for communication. The box marked 'Not a priority, Please explain' is placed to find out if there was any other reason why a union does not use the computer as a communication tool.

7. Do you believe that local branches are utilizing computers as a communication tool?

   Please tick one of the following:

   Always	.
   Frequently	.
   Sometimes	.
   Never	.
   Don't Know	.

   This question is useful in establishing whether there is a significant culture of using computers and whether head offices have any knowledge of what's happening at the grass roots level.

8. Do you have any other comments?

This area was left in order to provide the respondent with any further information which may be useful in reaching a conclusion, and providing recommendations.

• A covering letter preceded the questionnaire, stating who I was and why I was doing the survey. I had requested a date for all survey's to be in by, in order to have as many surveys as possible handed in early enough to analyse the results in time. I accepted some of the survey's post requested date. See appendix page 5.

• Fifthly, a number of research subjects must be set.

  60 research subjects were picked, this was based on the assumption that probably only 30 would be sent back, and 30 was thought to be an appropriate number in which to reach a conclusion, as the level of respondents were roughly similiar and the organisations carried out similar functions, for example, a survey was sent to the provincial office of 'The National Farmers Union' but they function as head office. The sixty sent had to be the head office of the union, otherwise there could be a variance to the responses received. The survey was sent to the 'Information/Communications Officer' of each union chosen. Out of the 60, 30 were sent to British Unions, 20 sent to European Unions, and 10 were sent to North American. These were chosen at a random, depending on availability of addresses. The project is on a small scale with limited time, therefore, only a small number of surveys could be distributed.

• An attempt was made to send some of the surveys by e-mail, but the survey would have to have been revamped in order to be sent, which would have been more time consuming then sending by post.

SURVEY RESPONSES AND ANALYSIS

1. What is your union's name?
   • Out of 60 surveys distributed (30 sent to British* Trade Unions, 20 sent to European Trade Unions, and 10 were sent to North American Trade Unions), 22 responded.

   • Out of the 22 who responded, 7 were from Europe, 3 were from North America, and 12 were from Britain.
   *For the purpose of this survey only, British Trade Unions will be considered separate from European Trade Unions.

2. How many members does your union consist of?
   • The size of the trade union was calculated to be:

     Small Union = less than 100 000 members

     Medium Union = 100 000-200 000 members

     Large union = greater than 200 000 members

   • Out of the 22 responses, 9 were small unions, 7 were medium unions, and 6 were large unions.

3. Within your union, what are your main forms of communication?

   Please rank the following in order of frequency of use with '1' being most frequent and '6' being the least frequent.

   .	With your Membership						With other Unions Nationally						With other Unions Internationally
   Rating	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6
   Telephone	6	9	7	0	0	0	12	4	4	0	0	0	2	7	8	1	1	0
   Fax	0	2	5	11	1	1	2	8	7	0	0	0	7	7	4	2	0	0
   Post	14	4	2	1	1	0	5	5	9	2	0	0	8	3	6	3	0	0
   Computers	0	3	0	1	9	2	0	2	0	3	8	0	3	0	0	1	7	0
   Telex	0	0	0	0	1	7	0	0	0	0	0	5	0	0	0	0	0	5
   Meetings	1	4	7	7	1	1	1	4	1	11	3	0	1	3	1	12	2	0
   Other. Please Specify	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

   

   • Overall, 14% of respondents chose computers as the #2 ranked tool.

   • 2 small sized unions*(9) and 1 large sized union*(10) ranked computers as a tool with their membership as #2. Out of those unions 1 is in North America*(9), and 2 are in Britain*(8).

   • At an international level, 15% ranked computers as #1, with one response in Britain*(8), and 2 in North America*(9).

   • European unions*(8) ranked use of computers as #5 in all 3 cases.

   • Considering that North America had the fewest responses, it appears that North America is using computers more often than Britain and Europe.

4. If your union is not using computers as a main form of communication, why not?

   Please tick any of the following:

   .	# of responses
   Unfamiliar with computers	2
   Unfamiliar with the Internet	4
   Too Expensive	3
   Still considering	13
   Lack of training	4
   Lack of Equipment	8

   

   • There was one response asking why should computers be a priority and one response that computers are the main form of communication.

   • The response 'lack of equipment does not appear to correspond with the response 'too expensive'. What is keeping the unions from not having the equipment.

   • Out of the 12 responses of small sized unions*(12), only 1 stated that it was 'too expensive' therefore, the sized of the union may not necessarily reflect the financial position of the union.

   • With those unions who are still considering, several of them commented at the end of the survey, that they would be connected within 1 year.

5. Does your union use computers for the following?

   Please tick all that applies.

   Internal Electronic Mail	16
   External Electronic Mail	11
   Internet Access	11

   

   • Under 1/2 of respondents are currently using internal electronic mail, which does not correspond with question #4 where 23.5% of respondents are not using computers due to lack of equipment. It would appear that the equipment is available, in order to run an internal mail system, but it is not being used to it's full potential.

   • North American unions*(11) are using the computer in all 3 modes, which proves again that they are further advanced in computer communication than British or European unions.

6. If answered yes to the above, how is your unions utilizing the services?

   Please tick all that apply.

   .	Providing Information	Searching Information
   Arbitration	1	2
   Health and Safety	3	5
   World Wide Web Page	9	7
   Bulletin Boards	4	5
   Email Lists	6	6
   Arbitration Decisions	2	4
   Details about Unions	4	5
   Constitution/Rule Book	2	2
   Collective Agreements	2	3
   On Negotiations	3	5
   On Disputes	2	4
   Other. Please Specify	Research, recruitment	.

   

   • In total, more respondents are searching for information, than providing information.

   • On comparison, British unions*(14) use almost all the services except for arbitration, and did more providing of information than searching. European unions*(14) do very little providing of information, and do a moderate amount of searching for information. North American unions*(15) are using all the services, but are searching for information more that they are providing information.

   • Small sized unions*(15) are providing/searching all the services.

   • The most popular form of information is the World Wide Web, followed by e-mail lists, then Health and Safety, bulletin boards, details about unions, and negotiations.

   • Research and recruitment was indicated as further information which could be provided.

7. Do you believe that local branches are utilizing computers as a communication tool?

   Please tick one of the following:

   Always	~
   Frequently	3
   Sometimes	10
   Never	5
   Don't Know	1

   

   • Over 1/2 of the respondents believe that their locals sometimes utilize computers as a communication tool.

   • Among the responses, Britain*(17) (67%) and North America*(17) (100%), had the highest percentages of locals who frequently and sometimes us computers as a communication tool, with Europe*(17) having a low 57% who sometimes use computers as a communication tool.

   • Small sized unions*(17) also had a large percentage with 78% of respondents frequently and sometimes using computers as a form of communication.

8. Do you have any other comments?

   • 1 small North American Union stated "We've only begun to make use of the internet, hardly scratched the surface of it's potential". That same union ranked highly the use of the computer as a main form of communication.

   • 3 British Unions commented that they would be expanding Computerization within one year

   • 1 medium sized union commented that they were expanding their Computerization within one year

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusion

The rational for the project is "The trade union movement is utilizing computers as a tool of communication" based on the awareness of computer communication within trade unions, as discussed in section 4 of this project. This being an impressionistic survey with a small response, one could still draw some fairly general conclusion. The responses from the survey demonstrate yes the trade union movement is utilizing computers as a tool of communication, but the question is to what extent, and what is required to promote the use of computers as a communication tool. Although some of the responses did not correspond with each other, such as not having equipment but using the computer for internal e-mail, the questions are able to be analyzed.

The first two questions assess where the unions were coming from, and the size of those unions. This is useful in pin pointing areas where computers are currently being used or not being used. On average, the three geographical areas of the unions had a rate of response between 30-40%, therefore the responses can be seen as being fairly equal.

The data gathered from question #3 indicates that traditional methods continues to be utilized by all unions such as telephone, fax, post and meetings, but some are using computers as well. There is data which demonstrates that North America is clearly using computers as a tool of communication, as two responses rank computers as #1 with unions internationally, and one ranks it as #2 with their membership. Using computers as tool with unions internationally means quick and easy access to help in finding out about working conditions and disputes in other parts of the world, and can then learn from others. Using the traditional methods of communication, may not be a quick or as easy or expensive. North American unions are also using more services on the Internet, and indicated by ticking all of the services listed in the survey. They also have a high percentage of locals using computers as a communication tool.

British unions are also using computers, but not to the same extent as North American unions as there is not as high as percentage of unions using computers. They also are not using all the services indicated, especially providing and searching for arbitration information, but several unions did respond that they hope to be fully connected within one year. The British appear to be in the process of becoming fully connected and should be encouraged to do so, but as discussed in section #4 Britain's national unions do not feel that local branches are a priority in getting connected.

European unions are not as keen to be connected to others via a computer. According to their responses they are using the traditional methods of communication indicating that lack of equipment was a reason for not being connected, although cost did not seem to be a major factor. There also proved to be a lack of knowledge and education regarding the use of computers as a communication tool, which is demonstrated by responses to question #4 by ticking 'unfamiliar with...' and 'lack of training' and the lack of responses on utilization of services.

The size of the union also proved to be a factor as to whether or not the unions used computers as a communication tool. Small sized unions have more positive responses to utilizing computers, and which surprisingly, cost is not a factor, but is a factor with medium sized unions. One could only guess that perhaps small sized unions find it easier to focus on computers, whereas medium sized unions may have a higher amount of members, but not necessarily the staff or equipment. The large sized unions, appear to have the resources necessary to be connected, but may not necessarily see Computerization as a priority.

Unions are using computers as a tool of communication, but not universally. North American unions are not surprisingly ahead of Britain and Europe on being connected, and are using resources effectively. Britain is well on it's way of being further developed in communications networking, but Europe is behind, and may be on it's way of being further developed in computer networking. Small sized unions are up and running, large sized unions are developing their services, but medium sized unions have further to go in order to be fully connected.

Recommendations

• Education and training of all union leadership, at a local or national level, is necessary to develop and strategies the networking of computers. Myths such as breaches of security may be diminished through education, and that computers take away leadership to member contact, as Computerization is just one more tool, and does not need to take away from existent resources. Education can also aid in the strategy of Computerization, as unions do have the equipment for internal e-mail, but are not using external e-mail.

• When developing a computer networking system, one should start at a local level, in order to demonstrate to the membership with how the unions dues are being allocated. By using the system during negotiations or grievance handling, immediate effects of Computerization are felt. Once the membership is aware and are networking with each other at a local or regional level, the next step is to internationalism which will not then be so overwhelming.

• Priority of funding to Computerization needs to be established. It may initially be an expensive start, but in the long run, there could be savings, by having a more informed membership, leadership and staff. For example, using computers for searching grievances and arbitration awards could save valuable time and money, by having prepared arguments and precedent setting awards. Disputes could be resolved more quickly, and negotiations could be settled quicker, which would save money. An informed membership and leadership could only aid in being a stronger and solid organization.

• Using all the resources available is also needed to have a developed computer information service. The information is out there, it just needs to be retrieved. More information can only empower unions and develop further their potential.

• Linking with each other as well as with non-unions who are working towards equal rights, environmental issues and human rights issues, will also aid in developing a solid network of people working together.

• Further research could be developed to establish why trade unions are not utilizing computers as a communication tool. This research should survey a larger number of unions and target specific types of unions ie) how local unions are/are not utilizing computers as a communication tools? Other research can consider how can unions be made aware of the Internet and its uses.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Peter Dicker, Global Shift, The Internationalization of Economic Activity, second edtion (London: Paul Chapman Publishing Limited, 1992) 103.
2. Heather Menzies, Whose Brave New World? The Information Highway and the New Economy (Toronto, Canada: Between The Lines, 1996) 7.
3. IBID page146
4. IBID page 147.
5. IBID page 55
6. Montieth M. Illingworth, "Workers on The Net, Unite! Labor goes online to organize, communicate, and strike," Information Week , ICG-Labornet, August 22, 1994: 2.
7. Vassily BALOG, "Labour Communication in a Changing Region: The Russia and CIS Perspective," speech sent by e-mail, July1, 1995.
8. IBID
9. E-mail received from Eric Lee via Chris Bailey, taken from a chapter on Britain, from a book which is yet to be published.
10. E-mail received 11 February, 1995, from Chuck Goodwin, Anthropolgy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.
11. "Computers of the World Unite," ICEF-INFO (1993): 4.
12. "Union Activism Goes High Tech," Labour Research May, 1993: 12.
13. E-mail received 6-April-1996, from Paul Lefrak, President, Information and Library Studies Student Association (ILSSA), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
14. "Union Activism Goes High Tech," Labour Research May, 1993: 11.

APPENDIX

Marie Dancsok
37 St. Charles Square
London, England W10 6EN

Telephone 0181-962-9272

e-mail dancsoml@vax.sbu.ac.uk

Dear Brother/Sister:

I am a Canadian trade unionist, who is presently studying for a certificate in 'European Labour Studies, at South Bank University, in London, England. For my year end project, I am researching the use of computers as a tool of communication. I have discovered that while some unions are on-line, and easily accessed by electronic mail, or the Internet, others remain unreachable by computer.

I am interested in the ways in which the computer can be a powerful form of communication. I am particularly concerned with the question of how trade unions are using the internet/e-mail, and what might be preventing them from making use of these tools.

I would be grateful, if your would take a couple of minutes, and complete the following questionnaire. I would appreciate it if all completed questionnaires could be sent to me by, June 10, 1996.

All information will be kept confidential.

Thank-you for your co-operation.

In solidarity,
Marie Dancsok

Survey

1. What is your union's name?

2. How many members does your union consist of?

3. Within your union, what are your main forms of communication?

   Please rank the following in order of frequency of use with '1' being most frequent and '6' being the least frequent.

   .	With your Membership	With other Unions Nationally	With other Unions Internationally
   Telephone	.	.	.
   Fax	.	.	.
   Post	.	.	.
   Computers	.	.	.
   Telex	.	.	.
   Meetings	.	.	.
   Other. Please Specify	.	.	.

4. If your union is not using computers as a main form of communication, why not?

   Please tick any of the following:

   Unfamiliar with computers	.
   Unfamiliar with the Internet	.
   Too Expensive	.
   Still considering	.
   Lack of training	.
   Lack of Equipment	.
   Not a priority. Please explain	.

5. Does your union use computers for the following?

   Please tick all that applies.

   Internal Electronic Mail	.
   External Electronic Mail	.
   Internet Access	.

6. If answered yes to the above, how is your unions utilizing the services?

   Please tick all that apply.

   .	Providing Information	Searching Information
   Arbitration	.	.
   Health and Safety	.	.
   World Wide Web Page	.	.
   Bulletin Boards	.	.
   Email Lists	.	.
   Arbitration Decisions	.	.
   Details about Unions	.	.
   Constitution/Rule Book	.	.
   Collective Agreements	.	.
   On Negotiations	.	.
   On Disputes	.	.
   Other. Please Specify	.	.

7. Do you believe that local branches are utilizing computers as a communication tool?

   Please tick one of the following:

   Always	.
   Frequently	.
   Sometimes	.
   Never	.
   Don't Know	.

8. Do you have any other comments?

Thank you for your co-operation in completing this survey.

Survey Responses

3. Within your union, what are your main forms of communication?

Please rank the following in order of frequency of use with '1' being most frequent and '6' being the least frequent.

British Unions

.	With your Membership						With other Unions Nationally						With other Unions Internationally
Rating	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6
Telephone	4	5	3	~	~	~	6	1	3	~	~	~	1	4	4	~	1	~
Fax	~	1	3	6	~	~	1	2	4	3	~	~	3	3	2	2	~	~
Post	6	3	1	~	1	~	2	5	3	~	~	~	5	1	4	~	~	~
Computers	~	2	~	~	4	~	~	~	~	~	5	~	1	~	~	~	4	~
Telex	~	~	~	~	1	3	~	~	~	~	~	2	~	~	~	~	~	2
Meetings	~	~	3	5	1	1	1	2	~	7	~	~	~	2	~	8	~	~
Other. Please Specify	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

European Unions

.	With your Membership						With other Unions Nationally						With other Unions Internationally
Rating	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6
Telephone	1	3	3	~	~	~	4	2	1	~	~	~	1	2	3	~	~	~
Fax	~	~	1	5	~	1	~	4	3	~	~	~	3	3	1	~	~	~
Post	6	1	~	~	~	~	3	~	2	1	~	~	3	2	1	1	~	~
Computers	~	~	~	~	3	~	~	~	~	~	3	~	~	~	~	~	3	~
Telex	~	~	~	~	~	2	~	~	~	~	~	2	~	~	~	~	~	2
Meetings	1	3	3	1	~	~	~	2	1	4	~	~	1	1	1	4	~	~
Other. Please Specify	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

North American Unions

.	With your Membership						With other Unions Nationally						With other Unions Internationally
Rating	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6
Telephone	1	1	1	~	~	~	2	1	~	~	~	~	~	1	1	1	~	~
Fax	~	1	~	1	1	~	1	2	~	~	~	~	1	1	1	~	~	~
Post	2	~	1	1	~	~	~	~	3	~	~	~	~	1	1	1	~	~
Computers	~	1	~	~	2	~	~	~	~	3	~	~	2	~	~	1	~	~
Telex	~	~	~	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	1
Meetings	~	~	1	1	~	~	~	~	~	~	3	~	~	~	~	~	2	~
Other. Please Specify	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

Small Sized Unions

.	With your Membership						With other Unions Nationally						With other Unions Internationally
Rating	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6
Telephone	2	3	4	~	~	~	5	2	2	~	~	~	1	2	5	1	~	~
Fax	~	1	1	5	1	1	1	5	2	1	~	~	3	3	2	~	~	~
Post	6	1	1	~	1	~	2	2	5	~	~	~	3	3	2	2	~	~
Computers	~	2	~	1	4	~	~	~	~	2	2	~	2	~	~	~	3	~
Telex	~	~	~	~	~	2	~	~	~	~	~	2	~	~	~	~	~	2
Meetings	~	2	3	3	~	1	1	~	~	6	2	~	~	1	~	6	1	~
Other. Please Specify	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

Medium Sized Unions

.	With your Membership						With other Unions Nationally						With other Unions Internationally
Rating	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6
Telephone	2	4	1	~	~	~	6	1	~	~	~	~	1	3	2	~	~	~
Fax	~	~	2	5	~	~	1	1	4	1	~	~	3	2	1	1	~	~
Post	5	2	~	~	~	~	~	3	2	2	~	~	3	1	2	1	~	~
Computers	~	~	~	~	2	2	~	~	~	~	3	~	~	~	~	~	3	~
Telex	~	~	~	~	1	1	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
Meetings	~	1	4	2	~	~	~	2	1	4	~	~	~	1	1	4	~	~
Other. Please Specify	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

Large Sized Unions

.	With your Membership						With other Unions Nationally						With other Unions Internationally
Rating	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	6
Telephone	2	1	2	~	~	~	1	1	2	~	~	~	~	2	1	~	1	~
Fax	~	1	2	2	~	~	~	2	1	1	~	~	1	2	1	~	~	~
Post	3	1	1	~	~	~	3	~	1	~	~	~	2	~	2	~	~	~
Computers	~	1	~	~	3	~	~	~	~	1	2	~	1	~	~	1	1	~
Telex	~	~	~	~	~	4	~	~	~	~	~	3	~	~	~	~	~	3
Meetings	~	1	~	3	1	~	~	1	~	1	1	~	~	1	~	2	1	~
Other. Please Specify	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

4. If your union is not using computers as a main form of communication, why not?

Please tick any of the following:

British Responses

Unfamiliar with computers	1
Unfamiliar with the Internet	1
Too Expensive	1
Still considering	7
Lack of training	2
Lack of Equipment	3

European Responses

Unfamiliar with computers	1
Unfamiliar with the Internet	2
Too Expensive	2
Still considering	4
Lack of training	1
Lack of Equipment	4

North American Responses

Unfamiliar with computers	~
Unfamiliar with the Internet	1
Too Expensive	~
Still considering	1
Lack of training	1
Lack of Equipment	1

One response was that computers are the main form of communication.

Small Sized Unions

Unfamiliar with computers	1
Unfamiliar with the Internet	1
Too Expensive	1
Still considering	5
Lack of training	1
Lack of Equipment	3

One response was that computers are the main form of communication.

Medium Sized Unions

Unfamiliar with computers	~
Unfamiliar with the Internet	1
Too Expensive	2
Still considering	5
Lack of training	1
Lack of Equipment	2

Large Sized Unions

Unfamiliar with computers	1
Unfamiliar with the Internet	2
Too Expensive	~
Still considering	4
Lack of training	2
Lack of Equipment	3

5. Does your union use computers for the following?

Please tick all that applies.

British Unions

Internal Electronic Mail	7
External Electronic Mail	6
Internet Access	5

European Unions

Internal Electronic Mail	6
External Electronic Mail	2
Internet Access	3

North American Unions

Internal Electronic Mail	3
External Electronic Mail	3
Internet Access	3

Small Sized Unions

Internal Electronic Mail	5
External Electronic Mail	5
Internet Access	4

Medium Sized Unions

Internal Electronic Mail	5
External Electronic Mail	3
Internet Access	4

Large Sized Unions

Internal Electronic Mail	6
External Electronic Mail	3
Internet Access	3

6. If answered yes to the above, how is your unions utilizing the services?

Please tick all that apply.

British Unions

.	Providing Information	Searching Information
Arbitration	~	~
Health and Safety	1	2
World Wide Web Page	4	1
Bulletin Boards	4	2
Email Lists	3	3
Arbitration Decisions	1	1
Details about Unions	1	1
Constitution/Rule Book	1	1
Collective Agreements	2	1
On Negotiations	3	3
On Disputes	1	2
Other. Please Specify	Research, Recruitment	.

European Unions

.	Providing Information	Searching Information
Arbitration	~	~
Health and Safety	~	1
World Wide Web Page	2	3
Bulletin Boards	~	1
Email Lists	~	~
Arbitration Decisions	~	1
Details about Unions	~	2
Constitution/Rule Book	~	~
Collective Agreements	~	1
On Negotiations	~	~
On Disputes	~	~
Other. Please Specify	.	.

North American Unions

.	Providing Information	Searching Information
Arbitration	1	2
Health and Safety	2	2
World Wide Web Page	3	3
Bulletin Boards	1	2
Email Lists	3	3
Arbitration Decisions	1	2
Details about Unions	3	2
Constitution/Rule Book	1	1
Collective Agreements	1	1
On Negotiations	1	2
On Disputes	1	2
Other. Please Specify	Research	.

Small Sized Union

.	Providing Information	Searching Information
Arbitration	1	1
Health and Safety	2	3
World Wide Web Page	4	3
Bulletin Boards	2	3
Email Lists	3	3
Arbitration Decisions	2	2
Details about Unions	2	3
Constitution/Rule Book	2	2
Collective Agreements	2	3
On Negotiations	2	2
On Disputes	2	2
Other. Please Specify	Research	.

Medium Sized Unions

.	Providing Information	Searching Information
Arbitration	~	~
Health and Safety	~	1
World Wide Web Page	3	1
Bulletin Boards	1	~
Email Lists	~	~
Arbitration Decisions	~	1
Details about Unions	~	1
Constitution/Rule Book	~	~
Collective Agreements	~	~
On Negotiations	~	1
On Disputes	~	1
Other. Please Specify	.	.

Large Sized Unions

.	Providing Information	Searching Information
Arbitration	~	~
Health and Safety	1	1
World Wide Web Page	2	3
Bulletin Boards	2	1
Email Lists	3	3
Arbitration Decisions	~	1
Details about Unions	2	1
Constitution/Rule Book	~	~
Collective Agreements	~	~
On Negotiations	1	2
On Disputes	~	1
Other. Please Specify	Recruitment	.

7. Do you believe that local branches are utilizing computers as a communication tool?

Please tick one of the following:

British Unions

Always	~
Frequently	2
Sometimes	4
Never	3
Don't Know	~

European Unions

Always	~
Frequently	~
Sometimes	4
Never	2
Don't Know	1

North American Unions

Always	~
Frequently	1
Sometimes	2
Never	~
Don't Know	~

Small Sized Unions

Always	~
Frequently	3
Sometimes	2
Never	2
Don't Know	~

Medium Sized Unions

Always	~
Frequently	~
Sometimes	2
Never	3
Don't Know	~

Large Sized Unions

Always	~
Frequently	~
Sometimes	5
Never	~
Don't Know	~

Dear Eric:

I am a Canadian trade unionist who is presently studying European Labour at South Bank University in London. I first became involved in utilizing a computer as a method of communication when I was a local president for a Canadian Nurses Union, United Nurses of Alberta (UNA). The communications officer for the union, Florence Ross, set up a system for the locals to communicate with head office, as well as with each other.

This proved to be very effective, especially during negotiations. Florence has since developed a WWW page for UNA.

For my final project for my course, which is due at the end of June, I have picked Labour and the internet. I plan on developing a research project, with my hypothesis being "The labour movement is currently utilizing the computers as a significant form of communication".

My method of research will be based on a survey utilizing approximately 10 open and closed questions, focusing on whether or not a trade union is currently using the internet, and if so how,and if not, why not. I will send half my questions to internet users, and the other half to snail mail users. I understand from a friend of mine, Chris Bailey, that you have a soon to be published book on the subject on the trade union movement and the internet, (I already have a copy of the Chapter on Britain). What I am wondering is if whether you have already done this form of research, because if you have I will not be able to carry out my project in this form. I would also appreciate any further reading you may have on this subject, and would appreciate any tips or ideas you may have.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

In solidarity,
Marie Dancsok
dancsoml@vax.sbu.ac.uk