Technology, including AI and social media, could help revive trade unions, which have been in decline across the developed world. Social media is replacing shopfloor meetings by facilitating “connective action”. The report also suggests that unions should be more open about their membership numbers to increase transparency around how they are run. Activists have also started to develop digital services specifically for their needs. Coworker.org, founded in 2013, helps workers organise and promote petitions. Start-ups such as WorkIT and Workership break down union functions into separate digital alternatives, providing new ways of organising. Crowdfunding also helps unions finance legal actions.
Technology, including AI and social media, could help revive trade unions, which have been in decline across the developed world. Social media is replacing shopfloor meetings by facilitating “connective action”. Platforms such as Facebook, Reddit and WhatsApp enable labour groups to collect information, co-ordinate workers and publicise campaigns. Activists have also started to develop digital services specifically for their needs. Coworker.org, founded in 2013, helps workers organise and promote petitions. Start-ups such as WorkIT and Workership break down union functions into separate digital alternatives, providing new ways of organising. Crowdfunding also helps unions finance legal actions.