Social networking - the union movement strikes back

Despite being something of a geek and an active trade unionist, I've tended to steer clear of the union movement's attempts to engage with "Web 2.0" apps like Facebook and Second Life. For one thing, I've got enough to do coping with my first life, and I've never really been persuaded that giving information about my interests and social relationships to a corporate website is a good way for trade unionists to organise.

But there clearly are some real advantages to being able to organise ourselves in online communities, and the tools themselves could be valuable. So I'm excited by the possibilities presented by the UnionBook project - a social networking site for trade unionists, by trade unionists. Built by the same people who run the LabourStart labour news website and online campaigning resource, UnionBook is constructed from the open source social networking software ELGG.

So, if you're a trade unionist with an internet connection (and if you're not, why are you reading 4glengate.net?), then come on over to UnionBook, and join the community...