Videos of the afternoon sessions

Gender and technology

Marisol Sandoval (City University)

Gail Chester (Feminist Library)

  • Sorry, no videos available

What is appropriate / alternative technology?

Corporate and military technologies are designed in the interests of those who own them, and are key to preserving their power. So a better world depends upon better technology, and social movements have tried to create ‘alternative’ or ‘appropriate’ technology to be more consistent with their values. But what do those words really mean, and what are the most important principles for designing better technology?

Dave Elliott (Open University)

Liz Corbin (Institute of Making)

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What is socially Useful Production?

The Lucas Aerospace workers decided to create products that were ‘socially useful’, but how do we define that? Is it just about what the products are for, or about who decides what society needs? Or is it about the design of technology and the work process that produces them?

Dave King (Breaking the Frame):

Tony Simpson (Bertrand Russell Foundation):

Reading Mike Cooley’s Architect or Bee

Mike Cooley was the key theorist behind the Lucas Plan. His book, Architect or Bee? Focuses on the politics of technology, especially the way that it is designed to de-skill workers. This workshop will look at chapter 6 of the book, ‘The Political Implications of New Technologies’. It would be good idea to read the chapter in advance if you can, but a summary will be provided at the start of the workshop.

Thomas Unterrainer (Bertrand Russell Foundation)

Adrian Smith (Sussex University)

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Arms Conversion 2: Future Potential

Looking ahead at how to create arms to renewables jobs.

Molly Scott Cato, Green Party MEP, author of a report into alternatives to Trident in Devonport

Stuart Parkinson, Scientists for Global Responsibility, on the universities and arms conversion initiatives

David Cullen, Nuclear Information Service, on the alternatives to Trident at the Atomic Weapons Establishment

Facilitated by Ann Feltham (CAAT).

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Just Transition 2: The transition in practice – One Million Climate Jobs

This workshop looks at practical proposals on how we can make just transition a reality. The One Million Climate Jobs campaign is one such step. Building wind turbines for renewable energy, retrofitting and insulating homes, investing in public transport and retraining/reskilling workers; these are jobs that will keep people in work and lower greenhouse gases at the same time.

Suzanne Jeffery (Campaign Against Climate Change-Million Climate Jobs Campaign):

Mika Minio-Paluello (Platform):

Robotics and automation

Part of the struggle at Lucas Aerospace was about resisting the automation of jobs and resulting unemployment. In the intervening 40 years, this trend has drastically accelerated, because digital technologies create far fewer jobs than they destroy. This workshop will look at some current struggles and automation in different industries, and what trade unionists can do to resist it.

Simon Fairlie (The Land magazine)

Philippa Hands (UNISON)

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Community and Alternative Plans 2: Initiatives for Progressive Economics

How we can influence economic development in the places where we live towards progressive and sustainable outcomes that serve society’s needs? We will share examples and practical answers to:

– how can communities, workers, businesses and councils work together?

– How can we decentralise economic power and ownership?

– How can we create and support the types of work that meet society’s needs?

Facilitated by Karen Leach (Localise West Midlands)

  • Sorry, no videos available