Netherlands/ Trade union set up to get internet users paid for their (unpaid) work producing data. On Wednesday 23 May, a group of activists announced the launch of a trade union for 'data producers'. The aim is to elect representatives that will negotiate with Google and Facebook as regards not only their use of data but also remuneration for the data provided for them by internet users. The data allows such tech giants to generate great value, but the users themselves get nothing in return. One of the founders of the movement, Bas van der Gaag, a maths professor, hopes that this "trade union" manages to bring together members from all over the world. Joining the union is free but members are encouraged to help build the organisation. The 250 existing members are understood to be organising a 'data strike'. Click here to view the union's site.
United States/ Time’s Up fund supports Walmart and McDonald’s employees. Hollywood to the rescue ! The Time’s Up legal defence fund, which was set up by film stars as a follow-on from the ‘Me Too’ movement, is funding the initial complaints of workers at two of the largest companies in the US. A former employee of hypermarket chain Walmart and 10 cashiers and chefs at McDonald’s are to benefit from funding.
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