LabourNet promotes computer communications as a medium for strengthening and building organised labour. We are in the forefront of using the resources of the internet to provide communications, news and information for the labour movement.
We operate as a subgroup of GreenNet which is a non-profit organisation providing affordable access to computer communications. GreenNet is part of the Association for Progressive Communications linking progressive computer networks around the world. LabourNet works closely with the US based APC affiliate LaborNet to promote international labour movement communications both inside and outside the APC.
Globalisation of production and distribution by employers has brought new problems for trade unionists throughout the world. It has become increasingly impossible to advance our position or even to defend it within the boundaries of single nation states. International co-operation and solidarity has become totally essential.
Computer communications has been a crucial component of the globalisation process for the employers. We cannot confront the power of the transnationals without ourselves making full use of this technology. The labour movement has been built on traditions of organisation and solidarity. LabourNet aims to carry these traditions into the computer age.
Ultimately we are working towards the widest possible international labour network. We want to work with other labour communications networks, both inside and outside the APC, towards that aim. We also want to collaborate to the full with labour activists developing labour communications in other media such as labour video, films, radio, etc. Together we can create a real alternative to the controlled media owned by capital and its state organisations and work to counter its bias and distortions.
A major aspect of the international workers’ movement has been its tradition of debate and discussion. We want to continue this tradition within LabourNet. We try to encourage the fullest possible discussion on the issues facing our movement within LabourNet conferences, lists and our web site.
Labour movement organisations hiring space within our web site have the right to put forward their viewpoint without restrictions from us. LabourNet does not vet, nor is it to be held responsible for, their views.
For those areas of the web site that come under the direct control of LabourNet we reserve the right to decide what to publish. However, we will make every effort to give a full right of reply to any organisation or individual named in an article. We welcome contributions, reports, advertisements for coming labour movement events, etc. from around the world. Our emphasis is on contributions and reports from rank and file trade unionists although we also welcome contributions from trade union organisations. Discussion on articles posted is positively encouraged. In reports we are looking primarily for truth and accuracy. At the moment we are publishing mainly in English, but we are trying to develop areas using other languages.
At present LabourNet is run by a steering committee of people who work actively within the project. We do not seek to implement a particular political line; we come from a range of political viewpoints from within the labour movement. We do however share the common aim of strengthening trade union democracy by using computer technology to provide accurate information and the right to be heard to trade union activists. We welcome volunteers from around the world who have access to the internet and want to become involved in LabourNet. We are never short of jobs to be done! We particularly welcome people with html, language translation, design, reporting, photographic and sound processing skills, but there are also a number of essential routine jobs that we need help with.
We intend opening a LIST facility so that activists within LabourNet can exchange ideas, experiences etc.