It is now widely accepted that independent grassroots media and social media communication have been some of the central drivers for successful human rights campaigns and political movements in recent times.

Workers’ movements have been able to dramatically increase their visibility and gain public support through the speed and spread of online media and social networking. Developments such as the digitalization of media, the widespread use of social networking, the simple and relatively cheap access to IT equipment such as smart phones, but also programs of the web 2.0 generation has allowed this to occur.

On the other hand, traditional media still remains an important tool for sharing information, education and influencing public opinion, which trade unions need to utilise.
This track explores how trade unions can increase their access to the media, how to use media tools for strengthening workers’ rights as human rights and build global solidarity. In this track there is a practical workshop, where you can learn more about video campaign material production, but also workshops on how to get your union into the news and how to build a communication or media strategy. There will also be time to discuss several forms of global networks, common forums and other information exchange tools for trade unions to generate momentum for campaigns and build global solidarity.

Workshops in this track include:

• The Power of mainstream media: How to get your union into the news
• The Power of networking: Communicators and communication networks in global unions
• The Power of film: Video as a weapon of the proletariat
• The Power of pictures: Bringing your message across
• The Power of Voice: Activism and broadcasting