Eric Lee: Unions to celebrate May Day in a virtual world

[Omaha Steve]

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In this week's mailing:

* British Telecom discriminates against Irish staff
* Unions to celebrate May Day in a virtual world
* Workers' Memorial Day - the day after

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BRITISH TELECOM DISCRIMINATES AGAINST IRISH STAFF

We've been asked by the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) in Ireland to help wage a global online campaign targetting British Telecom (BT). It turns out that BT is happy to recognize unions in Northern Ireland, but will not do so in the Republic. In fact, BT is refusing to even talk to CWU officials. Enough is enough -- companies cannot play the game of respecting workers' rights where they have to, but ignoring them where they don't. Please take a moment to send a strong message of protest to BT:

http://www.labourstart.org/btireland

Spread the word - pass this message on!

UNIONS TO CELEBRATE MAY DAY IN A VIRTUAL WORLD

This Thursday is international workers' day and will be marked by workers and their unions around the world. LabourStart intends to have full coverage. Make sure to visit http://www.labourstart.org on May Day to see what unions all over the world are doing.

In an innovative effort, unions in a number of countries are using the occasion to launch "Union Island," a home for trade unionists in the virtual world Second Life. On May 1st, Union Island will host a day of training, networking and celebration. This will include -- we're told -- a dance party hosted by a live DJ, a photo and video exhibition, even a virtual bar (though I admit to being a bit baffled by that one). There's more information and a full program of events here:

http://www.slunionisland.org

WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY - THE DAY AFTER

April 28th is commemorated by many unions as Workers' Memorial Day -- an opportunity to focus attention on health and safety issues that threaten the lives and health of working people. One of the best things we can do to promote improved health and safety is to inform union members around the world -- which is why LabourStart and Hazards magazine set up a Health and Safety Newswire which is being used by 133 union websites around the world. It should be on your union's website too. Full details are here:

http://www.labourstart.org/hswire

To all our readers, to the 52,000 trade unionists now on this mailing list and to your unions, I would like to wish you all a very happy May Day. Solidarity forever!

Eric Lee