How a Philadelphia union turned drone technology into a key tool for protest

Private drones were deployed this week to monitor an electrical workers' strike to protect members from false legal claims, reigniting the 'very tricky issue' of how to regulate drones used for activism

From a small drone causing panic when it landed on the White House lawn to Amazon's plan to make deliveries by air, privately owned drones have been raising security fears around the country. But drone technology has capabilities beyond just serving the interests of corporations - and this week a union in Philadelphia reminded us of that.

The Philadelphia chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers recently purchased three drones that officials say will be used to monitor construction sites and to make sure union members aren't breaking any laws during protests.