10 years ago, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist quipped that all companies will one day become tech companies. If this is true, then will we all become tech workers, whether working in front of a screen or managed by apps and algorithms?
Tech has hit on a nasty formula: exploit, manipulate, deceive and lobby under the pretence of innovation and disruption. But for every cost that isn't passed on to the consumer, someone somewhere is exploited. Workers are the only avenue to hold these seemingly untouchable tech companies to account. This session will share experiences of technology and work, explore the importance of global tech workers organising to redress the power imbalance, and link tech to wider struggles.
Deji Oliayinka is BAME Officer and a trade union rep in United Tech & Allied Workers
Lina Ayesh is a Palestinian tech worker that leads Gaza Sky Geeks' talent matching programme and works on product strategy for European start ups
Project manager at a data science institute, passionate about open source, ethics, and technology's role in the future of work
Software developer and writer on politics and technology, co-author of Abolish Silicon Valley: How to Liberate Technology From Capitalism
United Tech and Allied Workers is a branch of the Communication Workers Union which seeks to represent and fight for workers interests in the tech industry
Operating across Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, Gaza Sky Geeks provides Palestinian tech workers with the technical training and support they need to earn an income online