  new unionism
 Our signature forum is a place where we turn practice into theory and back again. How are organizing and partnership approaches being combined, and what obstacles are being overcome along the way? Are your organizing efforts needing a new spark? What problems are you having with developing real partnership, and is there anybody out there who can help? To what extent do changes of government affect new unionism, and how can we minimise this? And how can the combination of organizing and partnership be developed internationally, in a world dominated by competition and market forces? The forum is here», but you will need to join first, by way of the form on the right.
new solidarity
 This network is glad to receive any solidarity donations and/or offers of support you can make. The new solidarity» forum is where members decide how we use these resources to make a difference. It may be sending volunteer nurses to Kashmir, setting up a global watch programme for unionists at risk, financing temporary shelters in Bangladesh, or providing day care facilities in DR Congo. But whatever we decide to do, new unionism» assures you that the process will be transparent. All donations and expenses will be accounted for. Furthermore, we will make every effort to report on the concrete difference that your solidarity work has made in the lives of others.
From time to time we may receive requests for project support. These must be vouched for by our own contacts and local members before they will be submitted for consideration. The forum is here», but you will need to join first, by way of the form on the right.
new work forums
 We think one of the most powerful ways these forums can be applied is for workers within a single multinational company to start using them to share ideas and experiences across borders. Discuss your employment conditions, union recruitment, ideas for change, anything and everything. Obviously having a "safe space" for open discussion raises security issues. In order to deal with this, we would ask you to nominate a facilitator and then ask them to contact us at workforums@newunionism.net. We will take it from there.
new music
 This forum is based around the Solidarity Idol song quest, and aims to build on the new stream of protest music which has developed over the last few years to try and draw out a new solidarity culture. Entries to the competition should be in mp3 format, and can be uploaded here. Other questions are dealt with here. Voting for the finalists will take place in the forum in February 2008. The forum is here», but you will need to join first, by way of the form on the right.
coping with bullies
 Are you being bullied at work? This can involve being ignored, having your work constantly denigrated, being obstructed in your role, and/or receiving threats and abuse. The victim can take only so much of this before their work and their health is affected. Often these effects go undiagnosed. We believe that it is vital that bullying is exposed as soon as possible. Most often other workers are affected as well, and the personal and organisational degradation that bullying can cause is incalculable. Your union should be your first port of call, and you should also consider visiting your doctor. This forum is also here if you need to tell your story, and to consult with others who have experienced similar problems. Share your coping strategies and discuss ways of bringing the behaviour to an end. For legal reasons we suggest that you might want to consider contributing via a private email account (Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail etc) which does not contain your name in the email address or signature. We also ask that you do not mention your tormentor's or your organisation's name. The forum is here», but you will need to join first, by way of the form on the right.
the whistleblower
 What do you do if you witness behaviour at work which is illegal, immoral or unethical? Often raising the issue will lead to personal consequences. This forum is designed so that your story can be told. For legal reasons we suggest that you might want to consider contributing via a private email account (Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail etc) which does not contain your name in the email address or signature. Our only requirement is that you have genuine evidence of some kind, rather than relying on hearsay. For legal reasons we also ask that neither personal nor organisational names be mentioned. If the story is serious enough to warrant investigation, a member of the new unionism» team will contact you to discuss the matter further. Please rest assured that we will not divulge your identity, and will take no action without your authorisation. The forum is here», but you will need to join first by way of the form on the right.
problem solving
 Hopefully, this is a forum about breakthroughs. So often employers and unions enter negotiations with predetermined "bottom lines", each of which is surrounded by "lines in the sand" and "points of no return". The result is not so much a dialogue as a verbal sumo wrestle. Over the last few years, however, some unions have been experimenting with more sophisticated approaches involving joint identification of problem areas, open discussions about desired outcomes, and creative approaches on how to achieve them. To do this well involves a strong, disciplined membership, and probably (but not always) a progressive employer. If you'd like to discuss some of the problems you've had, and/or the creative solutions you have negotiated, be it as a union rep, negotiating team member, or just as the beneficiary of a union's good work, we'd be keen to hear your story. This is where unionists can really help each other out. The forum is here», but you will need to join first by way of the form on the right.
building influence
 Union influence is clearly linked to the quantity and organization of members in the workplace. This forum looks at how unions have tried to leverage this to build and extend their influence, particularly in relation to government, industrial legislation, and international organisations such as the ILO, the World Bank and the IMF. Different national contexts and industrial legislations mean that there is no "best practice", but we can certainly learn from each others' more innovative and successful campaigns. Share the stories around! The forum is here», but you will need to join first by way of the form on the right.
labour in China
 Last year a British paper reported on "iPod City," the plant in China, where iPods are assembled. Workers were living in dormitories of 100 people, and visitors were not permitted. They worked 15-hours a day, and earned £27 per month. Since then the Chinese government has ordered the factories to allow workers to unionize (as they did at Walmart). Most decry the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) as being a mouthpiece for the government, but is it as simple as that? An authoratative new GLS report shows how US-based corporations like Microsoft, Nike, AT&T, Wal-Mart, Google, UPS, and Intel are actively lobbying against legislation which would give the most basic rights to Chinese workers. They are also threatening to withdraw if the law is passed. The globalization of labour is throwing up complex new questions, and they won't be going away in the near future. The old answers just don't work anymore. We are launching a forum to discuss the Chinese labour movement, and inviting key players to participate. You'll find it here››, but you will need to sign up first by way of the form on the right.
coffee break
 Take a break. Have a chat with other workers from around the world and compare your day. Make a new friend, or help someone by sharing a new perspective with them. This is primarily a social forum, and just about anything is permitted except for sleaziness and/or advertising. The forum is here», but you will need to join first by way of the form on the right.
snap research
 Between us, the members of this network have a tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience. To what extent are we willing to share this? Ask a question. This forum is an experiment in the rapid exchange of knowledge. If it works, we will use it to build a knowledge base. As well as network members, the group will also be monitored by external research professionals who can, if you would like, provide you with a quote for a fast and detailed response. The forum is here but you must use the form at the right to join first.
coping with stress
 Don't let stress resulting from the pressure of work and/or home life poison you. As the Zapatistas chant to their leader, while looking at each other: "You are not alone!" It is important to emphasize that the others in this forum are not experts, however they can certainly be valuable allies. We recommend you use this group as a chance to get things off your chest. But for God's sake if your quality of life is being affected by stress, see a doctor! Contact your union! Failing to cope with stress is not a weakness; failing to address it is. The forum is here but you must use the form at the right to join first.
faith and unionism
 This is an inter-faith discussion forum for those who wish to discuss trade unionism and work in light of their personal faith, and vice versa. What implications do your beliefs hold for the way you work, and relationships with others in your workplace? Do you sense any conflict between your work and your faith? Perhaps others can help you resolve problems; perhaps you can be the one that helps. The forum is here but you must use the form at the right to join first.
what comes next?
 Now what?
new unionism» is a framework from which members can launch new ideas for rebuilding the union movement. This forum will discuss ideas for the future, both in terms of the global labour movement and the network itself, and then do whatever can be done to make things happen. The "what comes next" forum is here», but to join it you must fill out the form at the right first.
private meeting rooms
 new unionism» has set up three meeting rooms for the exclusive use of members. These operate exactly like the other forums. To book one of the rooms just email forums@newunionism.net with the date and time, along with a list of the participants' names and email addresses. Please note that they must be members of the network as well. When you send us the times please make it the equivalent of French time. The system admin will be a member of the forum as well (this is necessary for technical reasons) but will not attend unless invited. No one else will be able to attend and the proceedings will not be recorded. If the meeting is a success and you would like to create an ongoing facility for future meetings (which you could run without us altogether), let us know. The first of the meeting rooms is here.
technical stuff
 To start a new forum, please email us at forums@newunionism.net. To be hosted under the new unionism» banner we need to know that at least 20-30 members will be interested in using it, so please do a bit of research among others first. Be aware that successful forums take time and effort to run - you will need to play an active part in making it work. Would you like us to seek volunteers to help you in this?
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 what's missing?
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