What are unions? What do they do? Why?

Trade union renewal, union self-reform and similar issues are hot on the agenda for young trade unionists.What kind of union do we want for the 21st century and beyond?

Union members, many of them young members, have been thinking about the relevance of unions. The majority believe that unions are relevant - especially so in these times. But then they comment on the qualities that they want to see in their unions. They want unions to defend their rights - at work and in the community. They want to see their unions with stronger voices and influence in national, regional and international arenas.

Some leaders and members say that their unions need to be more "business like". And some talk about business unionism. What are the different models of unionism and what do you want your union to look like?

According to an article from the New Unionism Network, Buiness unionism is

Communicating with and engaging young workers

Alex White's blog is one of my favourites.

Alex is a writer, campaigner, progressive, social activist and an all round good guy.

In July, he spoke at the Stand Up conference for the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions,

His presentation was on how unions can communicate with and engage young workers. 

Learn more about his goals and presentation.

The points he makes are applicable to all countries and their unions.

Visit and sign up to Alex's site. It is a gold mine (or should that be platinum mine?) of information.

Sign up. Learn. Act.

Presentation on trade union renewal research

Robin Hood Tax movement gaining momentum

More European governments embrace the call for a Robin Hood Tax.

At PSI’s  recent World Congress, members adopted a resolution backing the implementation of a financial transactions tax in countries around the world. Pavanelli adds, “PSI is proud of our role in promoting a financial transactions tax through targeted campaigning working with our affiliates and allies. We are committed to continuing to lobby for the introduction of such a tax across the world, to benefit the common good.”

As of January 22, 11 European countries have joined the call.

Janel Joseph, St Lucia NWU at PSI World Congress

Carolyn Romero, PSU of Belize at PSI World Congress

You are welcome to share the wonderful photos of PSI’s colourful public action: “A thousand Robin Hoods call for a tax for the common good” at the PSI World Congress in Durban, South Africa http://bit.ly/11RfMQj

Social Media and Trade unions

In today's working world, the rights of the workers still remain a paramount issue. It is still unfortunate that at a modern time like this the rights of the worker have not been truly recognized. With this reality, the unions have a major role to play in the workplace as it relates to workers' rights.

However while this is obvious of the role of the union, the union should not take for granted their role of representing the workers. Over the years, we have seen businesses go bankrupt for different reasons. But chief among these is usually the failure to adjust to new and developing times, ideals and changes. This could happen to the trade union movement if these changes are not taken into consideration.

For your discussion

Just to tickle you.

After giving an excellent presentation, Bro Shamir posed an important question.

What aspects of social media do you think would suit your organization's interaction with the younger members? Let's have your comments.

CTSP young workers - making things happen

Port-au-Prince, March 31, 2012

Quite fittingly a group of eight young CTSP young members  was the first the meet in the recently opened new offices. Tifonie Powell, IA young workers’ representative on the PSI Executive Board met with a group of young workers from member unions of the CTSP. Over the past year, Tifonie and Marie Danielle Pierre-Charles, CTSP’s young workers’ coordinator, have been exchanging ideas on ways to integrate more young workers as well as find ways to reach out to young people across Haiti.

Members of CTSP's young workers' steering committee after their inaugural meeting