Online union to represent cyberspace workers

Switzerland is to get its first purely on-line trade union to promote the interests of workers in the New Economy. The union, which will be called //syndikat is aiming to recruit both freelancers and company employees, and will direct its resources to the computing, financial and service industries.

The new trade union will be officially launched in December and is aiming for 10,000 members by the end of 2003. It will campaign for better working conditions, improved protection from stressful working environments and better training prospects. It will also call for higher fees for freelancers.

According to the president of the founding association, Philippe Surber, the Internet will serve as the union’s main tool for information, communication and discussion.

The new union is to be financially supported by the Construction and Industry Union and will seek membership of the Swiss Trade Union Association.

swissinfo with agencies