Blogging, Vlogging, and more from the SEIU Convention

Want to see a hint of what internal union democracy could look like, if union officials embraced the internet and used it promote internal discussion and debate? Check out www.SEIUVoice.org and its coverage of the SEIU International Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (See too the SEIU International's convention site -- the old seiufactchecker.org address now resolves to it -- www.seiu2008.org )

The tech on SEIUVoice appears to be first rate -- at least to my amateur eye. The site promises daily video updates, live blogging, SMS updates, email updates and more. The message of the content already up is clear and carefully packaged, with all the SEIU trimmings: workers speaking instead of top union officers, lots of images of rallies and meetings, mellow jazz in the background, etc.

Unfortunately, the smooth tech and well-packaged message gives the site the same "PR" feel that undercuts the message of democracy and member power. You're being sold a message, even if the message says workers should control their unions.

There is no forum, comments are not enabled, no member blogs -- this is still a typical one-way transmission belt, even if it incorporates workers' voices and images.

What makes this site remarkable -- and unprecedented -- is that the union leaders are using the tools, resources, and talent to bring debate and discussion to the International's convention, and to report back on that process.

Whether you side with UHW-West or with the SEIU International, or take some other position, the fact remains that thanks to the internet the SEIU is already being democratized de facto.

For people interested in the background, a lot has been written. Beyond googling "SEIU UHW", or "Stern Roselli", or visiting the various rank and file websites http://www.uniondemocracy.org/AUDLinks/RNFLinks.htm#seiu, you might want to start with David Moberg's piece: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3604/dissent_in_the_ranks/