ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the effects which the deployment of new technology has had on the attitudes and organisation of trade unions, and on the attitudes and organisation of staff in government administration. Most of the new technology in survey was installed during the recession of 1980-82, and the implications of the economic circumstances of that period must clearly be understood. In a recession, both management and unions are faced with dilemmas. While the majority of unions accept that new technology helps to protect the long-term employment of their members, they are deeply concerned about the short-term impact on jobs. Unions frequently attempt to obtain increased rates of pay for operators directly affected by new technology. Outside the printing industry, claims proved totally ineffective. Those union members who claimed to be aware of their own union's policy towards new technology were frequently wide of the mark.
