ICTs, Distributed Discourse and the Labour Movement in Cabo Verde: Why Weak Communications Remain a Crucial Barrier to Trade Union Effectiveness

McQuinn, Mark; Cojocaru, Mihaela

Abstract

Based on interviews with trade union officials from different islands and the Inspector General of Labour, this article examines the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by labour organisations in Cabo Verde. Distributed discourse is used as a conceptual framework to provide insights into ways in which the ability of trade unionists to engage in debates and formulate initiatives is influenced by the pervasiveness and control of digital technologies. ICTs are premised as complementary tools and not as substitutes for existing face-to-face union communication strategies, a perspective substantiated by all the interviewees. The research reveals that frail communication channels are major problems for unions in Cabo Verde, which significantly impede their ability to defend the rights of members effectively. Despite localised improvements, involving particular organisations, ICTs are not being utilised systematically and equitably across all the Cabo Verdean islands to enhance the effectiveness of the work of unions. Limited financial streams, high levels of informality in the labour force, a dispersed geography, the uneven penetration of digital technologies across islands and economic sectors, and government policies are major barriers to trade union communication. Policy implications are put forward in the light of the main research findings.

Citation

McQuinn, M., & Cojocaru, M. (in press). ICTs, Distributed Discourse and the Labour Movement in Cabo Verde: Why Weak Communications Remain a Crucial Barrier to Trade Union Effectiveness. Global labour journal, 13(2), 229-249. https://doi.org/10.15173/glj.v13i2.4980

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 31, 2022
• Online Publication Date: May 31, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jun 20, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 20, 2022
• Journal: Global Labour Journal
• Electronic ISSN: 1918-6711
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 229-249
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.15173/glj.v13i2.4980
• Keywords: trade unions; Cabo Verde; ICTs; distributed discourse; labour democracy
• Publisher URL: https://mulpress.mcmaster.ca/globallabour/article/view/4980