1 During Negotiations Effective Collective Action

2 Penny for your thoughts! In your opinion what did this demonstration represent?

3 Demonstration Brainstorm How does the demonstration relate to the negotiations process?

4 Employers generally resist making favorable decisions relating to the workers we represent … unless we create meaningful pressure

5 Pressure Tactics Create a list of ways that a chapter can apply meaningful pressure on the employer during contract negotiations Take 3 minutes to exchange your ideas with those seated at your table.

6 CONFRONTATIONAL ACTIONS SOLIDARITY ACTIONS 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.

7 Collective Action When a group of people band together in a show of solidarity to send a message

8 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

9 PERSUASIVE RATIONAL MERIT FAIR but it’s just not enough! You can be all of these,

10 You need might as well. It’s not enough to be right…

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13 Things to remember: Assume that pressure tactics will be necessary Start planning early!

14 Things to remember:  Your choice of tactics must be determined by a clear analysis of the employer’s weaknesses.

15 Things to remember: Let the members help develop collective actions during the campaign!

16 Things to remember: Workers often give strongest support to actions they developed.

17 Things to remember: The threat of action often has more psychological effect on management officials than the action itself.

18 If you want them to move Members need to: See their own self-interest What’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

19 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?

20 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?

21 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?

22 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.

23 Be Prepared to Take Effective Collective Action!