1During Negotiations

Effective Collective Action

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Penny for your thoughts!

In your opinion what did

this demonstration represent?

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Demonstration Brainstorm

How does the

demonstration relate to the

negotiations process?

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Employers generally resist making favorable decisions relating to the

workers we represent …

unless we create meaningful pressure

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Pressure Tactics

Create a list of ways that a chapter can apply meaningful

pressure on the employerduring contract negotiations

Take 3 minutes to exchange your ideas with those seated at your table.

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CONFRONTATIONALACTIONS

SOLIDARITYACTIONS

Strike

Inside Tactics / Work to Rule

Sick Days

Pack School Board Meetings

Informational Pickets

March into Work Together

Lunchtime Rally

One Minute Stand Up on the Job

Petitions

Buttons & Balloons

Postcards to Employer

Same Color T-Shirts

Pressure on the employer should increase or escalate with each action.

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Collective Action

When a group of people band together in a show of

solidarity

to send a message

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Contract Campaign

A series of collective actions that are:

• Well planned

• Well orchestrated

• Member driven

• Designed to increase the pressure on the employer or decision makers

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PERSUASIVE

RATIONAL

MERIT

FAIR

but it’s just not enough!but it’s just not enough!

You can be all of these,You can be all of these,

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You need You need mightmightas well.as well.

It’s not enough to be It’s not enough to be right…right…

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Things to remember:

• Assume that pressure tactics will be necessary

• Start planning early!

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Things to remember:

Your choice of tactics must be determined by a clear analysis of the employer’s weaknesses.

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Things to remember:

• Let the members help develop collective actions during the campaign!

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Things to remember:

• Workers often give strongest support to actions they developed.

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Things to remember:

• The threat of action often has more psychological effect on management officials than the action itself.

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If you want them to move

Members need to:

• See their own self-interestWhat’s In It For Me? (WII-FM)

• Believe in their own self-worth• Have hope of some success• Decide their own tactics

Educate, Agitate, and Motivate

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Evaluating your Tactics

• Will the tactic be fun for members to carry out?

• Will the tactic surprise management?

• Does it target people in management who control the decisions?

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Evaluating your Tactics

• How long will it take before the pressure is felt?

• Will the tactic build the union and involve more members down the road?

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Evaluating your Tactics

• Other things to keep in mind:

– What will the tactic cost in terms of money, staff time, and volunteer efforts?

– Could the tactic backfire?

– Would the tactic expose workers to discipline or the union to legal liability?

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Communication Chain Questions

1. What can site reps do to educate, agitate, and motivate your members?

2. What can get your members “involved and caring” about a contract campaign?

3. Ideas for effective collective actions in your chapter.

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Be Prepared to Take Effective Collective Action!