It's unfortunately common for employers to violate worker and union rights. But an unfair labor practice can be a gift in disguise, providing a defense against the employer's most dangerous weapons. A union that plays its cards right can use ULPs to help win contract campaigns and strikes. Learn how.
Power inside our workplaces is critical to labor’s future. Management frequently restructures work, introduces new technologies, and promotes ideologies that undermine our collective voice and power. If your management has introduced new technologies or restructuring programs (e.g. lean, 5S, Six Sigma), downsizing, understaffing, speed-up, or “continuous improvement,” come learn a strategy developed by labor educator Charley Richardson. Though Charley died in 2013, his work continues to build worker solidarity and union power.
This workshop is designed to take participants (new or experienced in bargaining) through each stage of the process. We'll cover best practices for preparing your team and drafting proposals, tactics at the table and pacing during bargaining, ratification once you reach a tentative agreement, and implementation. You'll leave with notes, ideas, and a useful packet of materials.
When the boss cries poor, do we take them at their word? Hear how people have gotten creative, helped their co-workers overcome hopelessness, and won better deals, in the public and private sectors.
Unions can be powerful champions for the whole working class. Hear how some are fighting for creative contract demands to tackle the crises of student debt, incarceration, and housing, and even demanding a four-day work week.
This workshop will begin with a short song by Jayanni Webster, CWA Local 3866.
New technology and software can threaten your job security, working conditions, and union strength. How can you identify your power before management implements its plans? From robots to A.I. “spyware” to GPS, we'll explore how to prepare and organize co-workers to bargain and take action over tech changes, including using the "continuous bargaining" approach. We'll consider an example from longshore workers who fought the use of automated equipment, RFID, and logistics software.
Let the members and the power in! This workshop will dive into the tool of open bargaining, a way to increase democratic participation by members and the community in your contract negotiations. Let the boss organize the workers for you!
This workshop will explore the psychology of bargaining. Participants will learn techniques, then practice them in a brief session of simulated bargaining.
Power inside our workplaces is critical to labor’s future. Management frequently restructures work, introduces new technologies, and promotes ideologies that undermine our collective voice and power. If your management has introduced new technologies or restructuring programs (e.g. lean, 5S, Six Sigma), downsizing, understaffing, speed-up, or “continuous improvement,” come learn a strategy developed by labor educator Charley Richardson. Though Charley died in 2013, his work continues to build worker solidarity and union power.
Without preparation, bargaining teams can spend their caucus time reacting to the boss and lose track of their goals. Learn strategies to use that time to build consensus, make key decisions, and push your bargaining forward with a unified team.
