LaborNet is an AFL–CIO-backed online network focused on the labour movement.

History

LaborNet was launched following the 1990 NAFTA which created an interest to develop stronger union networks across borders to grow leverage against multinational corporations. Several bulletin board services were set up. Aside from LaborNet, SoliNet was created in Canada and La Neta in Mexico.[1]

The LaborNet internet network was created in 1991 (or 1990) by the AFL–CIO (or the IGC/APC[1]) to give a new boost to the labor movement.[2][3] LaborNet was organized around industrial lines, allowing workers from different unions to communicate with each others.[1]

The intent of LaborNet was to develop a labor-focused social network for activism.[4] It was AFL-CIO's first two-way communication tool. Users had access to forums and could upload pdf files.[5]

By 1992, LaborNet migrated its hosting to CompuServe.[3] By 1995, LaborNet had 1000 subscribers, including 35 community labor councils.[5] It moved to its own independent website in 1999.[3] The plan was to further develop the social features of the website.[4] By the end of the 1990s, LaborNet had 1,400 members.[1] In 2001, LaborNet was established in Japan, where it held annual awareness events such as the Labor Fiesta and Union, Yes!.[2]

Description

According to LaborNet's website, its "founders believe that the new communication technology must be put to use to revitalize and rebuild the labor movement." LaborNet aims to act as a syndicator for labor-related news and calls to actions[1]

LaborNets are also set up in Canada, United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Japan and Korea.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Jesse Drew (2013). A Social History of Contemporary Democratic Media. Routledge. ISBN 9781135117559.
  2. 1 2 Paul Jobin (2009). ""Labornet Japan" and the Revival of Trade Unions through the Net". Cairn Info. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 Jarol B. Manheim (1 November 2000). The Death of A Thousand Cuts: Corporate Campaigns and the Attack on the Corporation. Routledge. ISBN 9781135648565.
  4. 1 2 Arthur B. Shostak (1999). CyberUnion: Empowering Labor Through Computer Technology. M.E. Sharpe. ISBN 9780765604637.
  5. 1 2 Bruce Nissen (1999). Which Direction for Organized Labor?: Essays on Organizing, Outreach, and Internal Transformations. Wayne State University Press. p. 124. ISBN 9780814327791.


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