Resources

Resources

Workers are fighting to protect pay, working conditions, safety and dignity at work. Right now is the largest struggle for a generation between those that make the wealth in our society and those that own the wealth.

Below are some steps to help you in starting to organise, revitalise and energise a union at your workplace. If you want to discuss this further, you can talk with an organiser about making a plan. Five steps (adapted from UE union) to winning workplace fights:

Step 1: Talk to others you work with

See if other workers have concerns similar to you or other concerns.

This starts with talking to your coworkers.

There are some useful resources for having “organising conversations” and more at Labor Notes as part of the Secrets of a Successful Organiser.

Step 2: Get together with others you work with

Bring as many of your co-workers together collectively as you can.

Find ways to keep in touch and organise meetings.

Use communication tools that workers already use (and the employer doesn’t control).

Have a meeting to discuss what to do, sometimes it’s easy to just vent - it’ll feel better in the moment but nothing will change, commit to doing.

Decide your demands to take forward to the boss and what tactics you want to use e.g. petition, collective letter.

“Elect” a group of workers to take your demands to the boss. If you have a union you should work with your workplace representative.

If you do not have a union at your workplace, you should discuss forming one with other workers.

Step 3: Raise your demands with the boss

Write to your boss with your demands, make sure to be clear this is on behalf of your co-workers.

Include any actions you have taken e.g. petition, written letter.

Set a deadline for a response.

Step 4: The boss's reaction

After you collectively present your demands and take action, your boss may respond in a number of ways that try to minimise the need for changes or may even illegally retaliate against workers.

It’s important to inoculate your coworkers for various scenarios so you’ll be able to respond collectively and effectively.

Step 5: Next steps

You have heard back from your boss and they are not going to make the changes you have asked for.

Meet with coworkers and discuss next steps.

You may want to consider escalating your actions. There are many different ways to escalate, from smaller actions to going on strike.

Some extra tools

Confused about the terms or what things mean? GLOSSARY

Press

Strike Map and Bakers' Union launch new initiative to organise workers, Morning Star, 24th August 2022.

Announcing the launch of Organise Now!, Morning Star, 11th September 2022.

Organise Now!, Red Pepper, 237: Power in Unions, September 2022.

Trade unionists must ‘organise the unorganised and bring unionism back’ TUC delegates demand, Morning Star, 19th October 2022

Organise Now! Helping people to find power in their workplace, Labour Outlook, 21st October 2022.