Enhancing transnational labour solidarity: the unfulfilled promise of the Internet and social media

Andy Hodder,Torsten Geelan

doi:10.1111/irj.12190

Andy Hodder, Torsten Geelan

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1111/irj.12190

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Abstract

AbstractThis article examines the activities of Union Solidarity International (USI), a new UK‐based organisation in the international union arena. USI seeks to encourage and support international solidarity between trade unions and other worker movements around the world by harnessing the dynamism of the Internet and social media. Drawing on a combination of in‐depth semi‐structured interviews, documentary analysis, Google Analytics and social media data, the findings of this case study suggest that USI is successfully developing an international audience in the United States, the UK and Ireland. However, USI's ability to reach beyond English‐speaking countries and mobilise people to engage in collective action appears limited. The article makes an important contribution to the growing literature on social media in industrial relations through analysing the extent to which digital technologies can contribute to effective transnational labour solidarity.

Highlights

Introduction The use of theInternet has become widespread; almost half of the world’s population have access to an internet connection at home, via computer or mobile device (Internet Live Stats, 2016)
Union Solidarity International (USI)’s mission is to build grassroots transnational labour solidarity using the latest digital technology, and has multiple aims: to promote and support solidarity campaigns with trade unions and others in countries worldwide; to identify and propose practical solidarity initiatives and to raise additional funding for such projects; to encourage greater understanding of international issues within trade unions and progressive social and community organisations; to assist in the development of effective international education; to campaign on solidarity activities promoting human and trade union rights; and to promote social and cultural links between countries based on the principles of international solidarity (USI 2016a)
This article has examined the activities of USI, a new actor in the international union arena

Summary

Introduction

Introduction The use of theInternet has become widespread; almost half of the world’s population have access to an internet connection at home, via computer or mobile device (Internet Live Stats, 2016). USI’s mission is to build grassroots transnational labour solidarity using the latest digital technology, and has multiple aims: to promote and support solidarity campaigns with trade unions and others in countries worldwide; to identify and propose practical solidarity initiatives and to raise additional funding for such projects; to encourage greater understanding of international issues within trade unions and progressive social and community organisations; to assist in the development of effective international education; to campaign on solidarity activities promoting human and trade union rights; and to promote social and cultural links between countries based on the principles of international solidarity (USI 2016a).

Results

Conclusion