New communication systems and trade union politics: a case study of Spanish trade unions and the role of the internet

Abstract

This article shows how engagement with the internet and aspects of the new economy/society require an appreciation of union difference and politics. It shows how union responses vary due to four factors: communication strategies, union identity, forms of internal democracy and a range of organisational and social contingencies. The article will study the phenomena of the internet in the context of one national case study, Spain. It is a country that allows us to view the political dimensions of the internet, and the way they link to communication strategies, due to the manner in which the labour movement has transformed and modernised itself. It is also of interest because methods of communication have been at the heart of the way in which unions have developed and differentiated themselves. This article will argue that a greater sensitivity is required in terms of union history, politics and identity if the impact and use of new forms of communication are to be fully appreciated. It also points to the need to appreciate tensions between different forms of communication.

Social Media in Union Communications: An International Study with UNI Global Union Affiliates

“…While this has been predicted by previous studies (Martinez Lucio and Walker 2005;Ward and Lusoli 2003), the opportunities for more flexible forms of communication now allow everyone to use social networking groups, Twitter or blogs for such purposes. So far, as the survey suggests, it is mainly leadership that defines the appropriateness of social media and determines the mobilization of necessary resources.…”

“…Hence, the Internet cannot only be treated as an add-on that is likely to enhance communications but also as an element of union transformation. These transformation processes are closely related to the historical and political traditions in which unions operate, an issue elaborated on by Martinez Lucio (2003) using the national case study of Spanish unions and Carter et al (2003) with the case of the Liverpool Dockers. These transformation processes are closely related to the historical and political traditions in which unions operate, an issue elaborated on by Martinez Lucio (2003) using the national case study of Spanish unions and Carter et al (2003) with the case of the Liverpool Dockers.…”

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'.…”

Sleeping giants? Fired workbloggers and labour organisation

“…Alternative social networks are also perceived as potentially competing with unions, absorbing the energy and resources of workers into activities that undermine organised labour (Diamond and Freeman, 2002; Martinez Lucio, 2003; Heery et al ., 2004; Saundry et al ., 2007). Diamond and Freeman's (2002) overall optimism about Internet use is muted by the concern that alternative online professional networks will divert attention away from unions by being the ‘first‐on‐the block’ in providing online services (p. 593).…”