Alliance@IBM/CWA
Leading Example of Open Source Unionism

April 5, 2002

The Alliance@IBM/CWA Local 1701 is featured prominently in a new journal article, "Open Source Unionism: Beyond Exclusive Collective Bargaining", by Richard Freeman and Joel Rogers, in the Spring 2002 issue of "Working USA".

Abstract: "To increase density in the private sector, unions should explore a form of unionization that is open to nonmajority memberships. This form-- which the authors call "open source" unionism -- would make extensive use of the internet to deliver individual services to workers. This article describes current union activitiy heading in this general direction. It assesses the legal and administrative feasibility of open source unionism and suggests ways unions could develop it further".

The article argues that traditional forms of unions in the U.S. are becoming outmoded and that unions must explore new avenues of representing workers in ever-changes types of employment and employer situations.

A carefull analysis is done of the traditional vs. open source type of unions. For instance, while the traditional union is based on an employer in an particular location, an open source union can gather its members from many locations and even many employers, via workplaces, the web, and online communities. Traditional unions may use tactics of strikes, arbitration, slowdowns, and other methods, open source unionism can rely on broader methods, such as cyber picketing, national media campaigns, community pressure, and so on.

The article refers to an academic paper written by Alliance president Linda Guyer titled "Real-World Experiences of Online Organizing" presented last spring at the London School of Economics (this paper is online here).

Richard Freeman is professor of economics at Harvard University, and codirector of the Harvard Trade Union Program. Joel Rogers is professor of law, political science and sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

A full copy of the article is in the Spring 2002 issue of Working USA. The journal has a web site at http://www.workingusa.org, and although the article is not online, you can contact them to request a copy of the journal. A select number of articles go online after about 6 months.