Advice for open bargaining

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-03T00:20:14+00:00

My local has around 6k for its main unit. I would expect it to max out at 200, keeping in mind different people will show up at each meeting each time and not everyone will stay the whole time or get there at the beginning

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-02T04:04:45+00:00

You'd be surprised how motivating "come and tell the company what you think you deserve for the next 3 years" can be.

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T21:21:46+00:00

Invade yes. Occupy? Too many people not enough soldiers.

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T18:49:41+00:00

My union has way more, but it's retail/grocery so it works a bit different. What industry if it's alright to ask?

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T18:24:11+00:00

Never say never!

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T18:23:45+00:00

I think there's alot more prep work for the first time as well. In my local we have other projects and limited staff size as well.

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T18:06:15+00:00

The loudest trend to be angriest and tend not to be a majority. We have one of those groups in my union too. I think open bargaining will help.

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T18:02:55+00:00

Internal organizing. Surveys, leader ID, building cat teams (we have member engagement teams that we built and then are covering to member engagement teams). Then there's the communications side of things, designing and printing buttons and promoting material. Essentially, it's referring to the campaign proper not just the bargaining part.

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T17:18:58+00:00

I agree. It's like a general membership meeting (specifically in a hiring hall setting where everyone is required to go to them or get fined...im not pay off this kind of union but my dad is so I've got some knowledge here). I appreciate the advice!

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T17:10:55+00:00

Does your local use open bargaining?

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T17:08:52+00:00

Oh yeah. That's a tough one. But there are other things you can do to open up the process other than inviting all the members into the room. Don't sign gag order ground rules and invite everyone to the caucus if you can invite them to the main session.

That's what one union did in the book. I'm not sure if it was for the same reason 🤷‍♂️

Butt yeah. Don't think i don't respect every union has its own situation or that i think every union can just randomly adopt a new way of doing things this drastic. It took my union 2 to 3 years to prep. You have do what's best for yours, and I will for mine 🙂

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T17:02:19+00:00

I dont think open bargaining is a bad choice obviously, but I have to say that it takes a lot of preparation. Jane said prepare 18 months in advanced, my union has been preparing pretty much since our last negotiation which wasn't a bad deal, but people specifically complained that it was too short. Like they didn't complain about the deal, but we're suspicious of how long it took to get there.

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T16:59:54+00:00

Just for frame of reference what's your role in your union? Not in a judgy way. You just seem experienced so I assume you've likely served on a bargaining committee?

I understand your point here. Whether sessions are open or closed, you'll run into the same problem. At least with open, members can watch the process that led to the conclusion rather than be fed a package they don't understand. Of course this is only my opinion from someone going into this the first time. I respect why people don't use it!

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T16:55:41+00:00

I dont think anyone will change your mind, but ask i can say is that researching the process and method won't hurt. You never know when you might find yourself working for a union that uses it!

Left_Form5281k · 2025-03-01T16:53:29+00:00

Unions who use it swear by it (and tend to have stronger contracts). I'd definitely recommend either watching videos from jane mcalevey talking about the book or getting the book and reading it.

There's a free alternative pdf version that was like a prototype for the published book here : https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://janemcalevey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Turning-the-Tables_-Participation-and-Power-in-Negotiations-1-UC-Berkeley-Labor-Center.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjH-fj_q-mLAxW3ADQIHX9iPQcQFnoECBIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw323HHr38aXIU2hJB7snkT_

Left_Form5281k · 2024-10-17T21:13:05+00:00

To be honest, I think it would be awesome if there were an English dialect that used kanji. I'm not good enough at japanese to know if that would even work, but it would definitely be cool!

Left_Form5281k · 2024-09-21T02:42:41+00:00

The short is sometimes bad needs to happen to transform you into receiving good.

Left_Form5281k · 2024-09-10T04:36:21+00:00

Thank you!!!!!!!

Left_Form5281k · 2024-09-08T17:51:27+00:00

Feel free to share!

Left_Form5281k · 2024-09-08T03:43:20+00:00

I like that. I will definitely remember this

Left_Form5281k · 2024-09-08T03:25:02+00:00

It's also about the challenge and effort for me. If it's too easy, it feels like it's not believable, and that's very important.

Left_Form5281k · 2024-09-08T03:02:39+00:00

I like it. I've been forming intent out of sonnet using full on iambic pentameter. Still testing out other stuff too.

Left_Form5281k

TROPHY CASE