The labouring of the public service principle: union convergence and worker movements in the North American communication industries

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to expand the public service principle to cover labour and worker organizations in the communication industry. It also aims to demonstrate the value of labour convergence as an instrument to advance the interests of knowledge workers and the public interest in communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from conceptual debates around the nature of knowledge labour and of convergence. It draws from interviews and documentary evidence to determine the value of trade union convergence and new forms of worker organization in the communication industries.

Findings

The paper finds that communication workers are engaging in their own form of convergence and are using it to advance the public service principle in knowledge labour. In doing so, they are expanding the public interest in communication.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the only studies that connects the public service principle and convergence to knowledge and communication workers. It demonstrates that, despite significant challenges, these workers are a significant force in the communication arena.

Citation

Mosco, V. (2007), "The labouring of the public service principle: union convergence and worker movements in the North American communication industries", info, Vol. 9 No. 2/3, pp. 57-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690710734661