Brothers and Sisters,

I would appreciate it if you would complete this anonymous survey, and e-mail or mail it back to me - for a research project designed to help Organized Labor.

Many thanks, fraternally,
Art Shostak, Labor Educator, CWA Local 189

Union Uses of Computers

Please check a policy option, and explain your choice:

1) To sell S or not to sell?
___ A. Some members want their IU and local to buy PCs at wholesale for re-sale at great savings to members. Proponents expect a grateful and substantial response, a boost in morale, an incentive for non-members to join, and a healthy expansion in the union's "electronic community."
___ B. Other members warn the project has over-whelming problems, e.g., no PCs available in this country are union-made. New advances rapidly outmode current models. Their price continually falls. And everyone who really wants one either has one or can readily afford one.
___ C. Still a third group recommends establishing a special discount relationship with area dealers, especially any unionized stores.

WHY? __________________________________________________
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2) To "see" S or not to "see"?
___ A. Some members urge the purchase and use of inexpensive camera equipment for video teleconferences (senders and receivers of e-mail are able to see one another in real-time; a small camera perches above the PC). They believe this will heighten interest, and help everyone get to better know one another.
___ B. Other members worry this will distract from the content of a message, and focus costly attention on the sex, age, race, appearance, or gestures of the speaker. They prefer messages without "extra baggage."
___ C. Still a third group wants a 3-month trial of the teleconference option, and a vote thereafter by any concerned parties on whether or not to expand or end the venture.

WHY? _____________________________________________________
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3. To go the distance S or not so quickly?
___ A. Some members urge their IU and local to get laptops for every officer, arrange for continuous upgrades of office hardware and software, pay for tutoring of officers in computer use, etc. They believe identifying with progressive innovations will impress members and potential members alike.
___ B. Other members believe the whole computer thing is over-done, and should be put aside until it has really proven itself.
___ C. Still a third group recommends going slowly and cautiously, given all the turmoil, uncertainties, and high costs entailed. They urge a low-profile, low expense approach at this time.

WHY? ____________________________________________________
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4. To Link S or Not to Link?
___ A. Some members urge linking the local's web sites to any organizations recommended by a member. They believe this will demonstrate respect for varied interests, an openness to all points of view, and a healthy desire to connect Labor with the "real world" outside. They oppose barring controversial links as demoralizing censorship.
___ B. Other members fear complete freedom could result in some very regretful linkages, as to hate or extremist groups. They warn this could undermine morale, create costly dissension, and thereby distract from far more important matters. They urge links be made only to groups on some sort of AFL-CIO "approved" list.
___ C. Still a third group want local control employed, with a committee of volunteers (officers and rank-and-filers) screening each recommended link for "the Good and Welfare" of the local. Reasons for rejection would be stated publicly, and an appeal could be made via e-mail to the entire membership - whose secret ballot mail-in vote would be binding.

WHY? ____________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

5.) To interact freely S or not so freely?
___ A. Some members urge their IU and local to publicize an e-mail address for every officer, the better to enable members to have direct contact with their elected representatives
___ B. Other members fear this will distract officers, clog their e-mail with trivial matters, and undermine the importance instead of going through channels (as through first using the shop steward system).
___ C. Still a third group recommends posting only the e-mail addresses of officers who agree to have this done, and that of secretaries of others.

WHY? _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

6.) To chat freely S or not so freely?
___ A. Some members urge their IU and local to maintain an uncensored chatroom (linked to the official web site) where any member (or officer) can say anything about anybody - guided only by norms of good conduct, common sense, and an appreciation for promoting solidarity. They believe this salutes Labor's respect for Free Speech, boosts morale, and helps promote a "fishbowl" atmosphere useful in preventing wrong-doing, correcting rumors, etc.
___ B. Other members worry that an uncensored chatroom will hurt morale by spreading false and harmful rumors. They fear it will undermine the willingness to stand for office, and may split members by race, gender, skill level, etc. They urge that a moderator screen all messages before they are accepted for posting in the chatroom.
___ C. Still a third group recommends no use of the chatroom option at all, given the controversy that surrounds its existence.

WHY?_____________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

7.) Does the material above stir any additional thoughts that you would like to share? (Please turn the page over for more space) - __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

Background Data:

1) Level of computer skill? __ Quite good. __ Good __ Poor__ None

2) Do you use a computer at home? __ Yes __ No

3) Do you use the Internet from home? __ Yes __ No

4) How many children do you have at home who use a home computer? __

5) In the last month, how many times have you viewed the local's web site? ___ The web site of your IU? ___ The web sites of other unions? ___

6) What do you find of MOST value in these sites? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

7) How could the sites better serve you? __________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

Demographic Data:

1) Gender: _______

2) Age: ___

3) Educational attainment: ____________ (by highest diploma earned)

MANY thanks for your cooperation. If you would like to know more about this research, please contact Art Shostak, sociologist and labor educator, at shostaka@drexel.edu
Or, write to Art Shostak, Drexel University, Sociology Dept., Phil., PA 19104
(Phone: 215-895-2466).

(August, 1999 version)