Dear All,
Welcome to the Urban Labour Network.
Its website has just been launched, and starts by providing:
– Info on events,
– Info on publications,
– A discussion forum.
This can be followed by other activities; nevertheless I think this is already a contribution to those interested in a subject (labour in urban areas) which normally falls as a sub-theme of other themes, yet deserves specific attention!
We look forward to your contributions: info on new publications on urban labour, events, courses, interesting experiences and good practices, innovative approaches and issues for study and practice, etc.
Ed Werna
Dear All
I am looking for ideas on interesting case studies on the green economy in urban areas which meet the following criteria: improve urban labour conditions, decarbonise the economy, and provide strong local governance.
Warm regards
Philip
Thanks again for establishing this network Ed, it is both important and timely.
One of my current research interests relates to a concern about the governance arrangements for big business leading major public urban infrastructure projects (e.g. rapid transport, smarts grids, water stewardship etc) – all under the green economy and CSR banners (e.g. Cisco Systems Connected Urban Development Initiative, IBM Smarter Cities Initiative etc) – but which may just mean business as usual, multi-century, monopolistic, non-decarbonised and anti-labour rights supply contracts. And especially so in a new age of austerity when cities are financially broke, but account for half the world’s population and emit 80% of the planet’s GHG emissions, and so may be entering into unhealthy deals which may undermine our social and environmental resilience for generations.
Hi Ed,
Many thanks for making this annoucement regarding the establishment of ULN. I am certainly looking forward to the ensuing discussions and contributions of ULN members, and taking an active part myself.
Saboor