Public Service Union launches website with Twitter, Facebook

Recognizing that a number of its members and potential members are youthful and “seriously into social networking”, the newly launched website of the Public Service Union (PSU) has incorporated popular social sites Twitter and Facebook.{{more}}

The site, www.svgpsu.org, was unveiled last Thursday, July 29, at the union’s headquarters at White Chapel Road, Kingstown.

Web designer, Antonio Joyette, explaining the reason for adding these two features, said: “We know quite a few public servants have twitter and facebook accounts and this would keep the members up to date on what’s going on.”

Joyette said the site is set to change the communication landscape of the union.

“It gives the union an arm to reach this Internet prone generation,” he said.

Joyette also outlined the many features of the site. He said they cater for all aspects of union activities including projects in the works, workplace issues, resource material, archives and executive decisions.

He indicated that news releases, announcements, and an events calendar are also found on the site, and members would be able to lodge queries and complaints directly to the union through this medium.

“What I find very interesting is the opportunity that the union has given to its members: to join the forum for discussing issues that the union will be and is currently facing,” said Joyette.

“This is an opportunity for the union to be changed in a big way, because the union now has a reach with every member who has access to a computer.”

Union President Cools Vanloo, speaking at the launch said that the site is part of the modernization process that the union has undertaken as it attempts to bring the organization and its communication system into the 21st century.

He noted that the site is aimed at improving information gathering and dissemination of information to members of the 67-year-old union, which he said was growing and maturing.

Vanloo said the site brings the union closer to persons both within and outside of the organization which will help to advance the trade union movement at all levels.

“We also hope this initiative will help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Service Union and the services to its membership, and the public at large,” Vanloo stated.

“We hope that our members will participate actively in this initiative, and through this medium we will see an increase in membership… particularly among the younger public servants,” said Vanloo.

He expressed optimism about the youth participation on the site, noting they seem to have an affinity to this particular mode of communication.

“So we will be looking forward to great things from this undertaking,” Vanloo said.