LABOR AND THE INFORMATION-SOCIETY - TRADES UNION POLICIES FOR TELEWORKING

The current interest in teleworking is seen as the focal point of a wider debate relating to the diffusion of flexible work patterns facilitated by the networking of information communication technology and the development of the Information Society. The development of telework as a means of organising work is mapped and the trades union response outlined. An historical perspective to trades unions attitudes is provided by comparison with the Micro-Electronics Revolution debate of the late 1970s and early 1980s, which focused on new technology agreements. The paper concludes by promoting a legislative framework to ensure best employment practices, and by urging trades unions to develop policies that meet both the challenges and opportunities of the Information Society.