Baltic Organizing Academy 14-17 May 2013, Turin

Number of union members in Estonia 2007-2013

Percentage of union members (EAKL) 2012 2011 – 5,4% 2010 – 5,8% Number of workforce - 570,800 Union members - 29,400

Story of BOA The Baltic Organizing Academy (BOA) is a multisectoral and multinational organizing program that brings together Nordic and Baltic trade unions Industry, service and transport sector Organizing model The aim is to build strong trade unions in the Baltic states with support from the Nordic region Organizing becomes self-supporting The BOA is an open program

Elements of BOA Resources Planning and developing Education Organizing to win

BOA – it is about organizing Organize to build power Unite to organize Organizing to empower workers from bottom up Organize to bargain – bargain to organize Organizing by sector Organize sustainable union structures

Organizing in the logistics sector Green field organizing: no members, no CBAs Slow start Difficulty of selecting a target Difficulty of finding contact details and making the first contacts A focused effort was needed, a target company was selected. Smarten Logistics AS, the largest 3PL company in Estonia

AS (Ltd) Smarten Logistics Based on Estonian capital The largest third party logistics provider (3PL) in Estonia Strong client base including manufacturers, distributors as well as retail businesses Entered the market 20 years ago Operating in 5 warehouses 280 workers (target group of 210)

Campaign goals Creation of ETTA department (head-shop steward, shop-stewards, union board) Union density – at least 55% Employer’s recognition (payment of membership fees through pay-roll system, access to workplaces, meetings with new hires) CBA (Sector-based CBA in perspective)

Phases of campaign Preparation Base building Committee building Going public Moving to action Victory

1:1 list

Company wall chart

Weekly report

Weekly report

Smarten Logistics campaign progress

Campaign results ETTA section has been formed Shop-steward has been elected 38% of union density in the main warehouse (70% of the goal) „Moving to action“ phase – fighting for union recognition Project of CBA is in preparation

Thank you for your attention 07-11-12 Thank you for your attention 17