Why we want you to join››

This is about social networking for working people in a globalized age. It's about sharing experiences & ideas about organizing; finding allies within the same occupation or multinational; identifying like-minded colleagues in sister unions. It's about making links with like–minded activists across borders, and generating real discussions between academics and the labour community.

It is not about the kind of politics which happens on our behalf.

As well as networking for unionists, we also provide a bridge for those who can't join a union (or feel they can't, for whatever reason). We want to bring the 'precariat' -- workers without security such as those in the informal economy, part-timers, temps, freelancers, the unemployed, trainees etc -- into the general orbit of unionism. After this, they can then make a more informed choice about deeper participation and/or solidarity.

New Unionism is about:
... working people democratizing their workplaces
... activists globalising unionism 'from below'
... organizers turning practice into theory
... labor academics meeting labor


This kind of deep change in the labour movement cannot be made to happen for us; it has to be made by us. This is the transformation that lies at the heart of New Unionism. And that's why we are inviting you to join.



"This is about a search for daily meaning as well as daily bread, for recognition as well as cash, for astonishment rather than torpor, in a sort of life, rather than a Monday-through-Friday sort of dying."    Studs Terkel

Okay, I can accept the general principles of new unionism: organizing, workplace democracy, creativity and internationalism (more) - and I'd like to take part in the network. First name: Surname: Email: (will not be used for any other purpose!) Country: Occupation: I am a member or staff of the following union: I'd like to receive the network's email bi-monthly newsletter work in progress»   I would consider becoming a Founding Member. Please send details of what is involved. Here are a few words about myself, my work, campaigns, politics, goals, interests...      I understand that financial membership is gained by making a donation of money or voluntary work of some kind* (you can get financial membership now in a new window here»). I accept the key principles of New Unionism and agree to take part in a friendly and constructive manner. I understand that in the event of complaints, the site administrator has the right to suspend or cancel my membership.

* We suggest that a fair amount would be an hour's pay, as there is at least one hours work per member per year, and the general idea is that our time is worth no more or no less than yours.

Legal structure

(1) Although we are a network, please note that New Unionism is also registered as a non-profit company. This step was necessary for administrative purposes... ie we had to do it in order to open a bank account and to collect and process donations etc. By law and by preference any money received, over and above tagged network and tagged project costs, stays within the system. It is then used for further development and/or solidarity work.

For the record, the legally-defined aims of the company are:
     A. To assist in rebuilding the union movement by promoting the principles of organizing, workplace democracy and internationalism;
      B. To provide international solidarity for working people, their families and trade unions in the form of donations and other assistance.