Magazine

Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine
ISSN 1076-027X / Volume 3, Number 11 / November 1, 1996

Editor's Page

Amelia DeLoach introduces this special issue focusing on labor online. While it has not proven to be a magic bullet for organizing or protesting, the Net nonetheless has been used effectively as tool for labor organizations to publicize their views.

SPECIAL FOCUS: LABOR ONLINE

Sending a Strike Message in a Bottle

Greg Dropkin describes how the Web site for Britain's Mersey Docks workers has augmented their strike efforts. They discovered, however, that the Net does not replace personal contact when it comes to seeking support for their cause. In a companion article, Chris Bailey tells the story about how the Web effort came about and the effect it had with the online union community.

Unions, the Rank-and-File, and the Internet

While admitting that online communication benefits some union groups, IATSE member and long-time Internet user Allen Schaaf tells first hand how internal politics and an union's use of CMC can intensify mistrust between the leadership and the rank-and-file.

How the Web Industry is Working its Way out of a Golden Age

They work 60-hour weeks and survive on a diet of Skittles and Jolt. So, why aren't Web workers clamoring to unionize? Lisa Schmeiser explores this question and discovers the answer has its roots in class issues.

Shaping a Web for Inclusion

PASA member and Web developer Andrew Dunn profiles his union, the organization's communication needs, and how it developed a Web to meet those needs without excluding the non-Internet using members.

DEPARTMENTS

The Last Link: Being Online

Amelia DeLoach draws together the content from this month's issue to examine labor's presence online: How do labor unions use the Internet? How effective is this use?

Letters to the editor always welcome: mailto:john@december.com