Organising in NSZZ „Solidarność"

TRADE UNION DEFINITION An organisation of workers, united and dedicated to improving their lives.

WHAT WE HAVE TO DO? Help workers to organise and build strength needed to improve their lives.

How we organise

COMMUNICATION ONE ON ONE

MAPPING THE WORKPLACE IDENTIFICATION OF WORKSITE LEADERS

Organising opportunities in Poland

FAST GROWING SECTORS

MAIN ORGANISING CAMPAIGNS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR real,-, Auchan, Gèant, Carrefour, Tesco, Makro Cash&Carry, Jerenimo Martins Radisson SAS, Marriott, McDonald’s Opel, Volkswagen Masterfoods, Constar (Smithfield) Falck, Group4, Securitas, Impel Truck drivers

ORGANIZING IN SECURITY SECTOR

DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITY SECTOR IN POLAND approximately employees in more than 3600 companies many small companies ( employees) very low union membership (1% in NSZZ”S”) low status of the profession in the society impact of former secret police officers some security companies get subsidies for sheltered workshops Trends Dynamic development. Further growth of employment. Fewer companies. Only the biggest companies will survive on the market.

GRUPA IMPEL GROUP 4 SECURICOR SOLID SECURITY SECURITAS OTHERS ~ BRINK’S 1500 I N D U S T R Y O V E R V I E W KEY COMPANIES

40.1% market share workers includes multinationals TARGET: 8 KEY COMPANIES IN WARSAW

The number of workers in the 8 largest companies in Warsaw

pays 5 zł / h (~ 1€ ) fee-for-task agreements too much overtime licenses paid by the workers low status of the profession ISSUES

5 zł IT IS NOT FAIR!

Campaign Goals Year One Organize 1,200 new members in Warsaw market Win collective agreement to raise pay Win exclusive sector - wide partnership agreement on organizing rights Year Two XXXX new members Expand campaign to other markets

1 ON 1 - COMMUNICATION 5000 workers identified 300 worksites identified

WZMOCNIENIE 5 days intensive organizing effort 72 organizers and activists The city divided into 5 zones Detailed „maps”of worksites Result: 502 new members

We need to lay a lot of ground work before launching a campaign (street by street field survey) to know where the workers are, make targeting decisions and find right message WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT

effectiveness of organising is increasing every month more people are organising many national organising campaigns awareness about union organising is increasing among workers NSZZ „Solidarność” is the most active union among workers organising in nonunion companies create new opportunities for union develpment Building New Organisations Good News

not enough organisers and other people involved to these activities employers’ anti-union actions huge areas and new sectors, not yet organised cooperation problems between regions when organising national companies not enough resources to achieve the goals Building New Organisations but …

Challenges Stop losing members Start growing How will it influence the members, nonunion workers and employers?

It means: Recruiting new members in 2007