The Role of a Union Representative SUC retreat 14 January 2002

Do We Sell an Idea? What would you say if you walked into a shop and the salesperson told you that s/he would never buy the product s/he sells? You would probably doubt the usefulness of the product before you doubt the person’s judgment.

What Do They Say? “Unions are out of touch and out of date”; “They only represent a small percentage of workers”; “They no longer deliver the goods”; “Union leaders are only interested in their own position”; “Why pay union dues when I can get the same benefits and keep the money in my pocket?”

Why do people join the Union? The focus of our common interest is our workplace, our working conditions Some join when they have a problem Our strength stems from our collective ability to adapt individual standpoints in favour of a common position

“Strength in Numbers” None of us alone can bargain over our working conditions, our grade, or even our job security. Alone, each of us is much weaker than our employer. The ILO has real power over us, its employees; we are all replaceable; each of us individually is less powerful than the Office. Our main power is thus not as individuals, but as a group.

Win-Win Partnership The “Partnership Approach” is a means, not an objective. We should not renounce on any legitimate demand, or on the option of conflict, if necessary. A “win-win” position requires tangible proof that both sides can gain more through it

Win-lose: Who Wins? Precarious, interns, short-termers need help to get a job When they overcome their difficulty, they no longer feel the need to join We need to review our support for the young