I am one of the few people still unionized in the private sector

[tavalon]

Our negotiations just went white hot with management trying to pull something (very circumspect) on the gang of 30 who happen to work on my unit. I am the union rep. I've been trying to educate the newer workers on Weingarten Rights and on how to continue the fight without becoming splat on the windshield of a CEOs window.

We have been communicating on a backchannel IM but I'm concerned and it turns out the lead union rep is too. So, given the poor communication, how do I, as the rep, get everyone on the same page. I feel like a minority whip right now. Sheesh.

Also, it's an open shop. How do I spin the best gold from the hay the management has given us so that we can increase membership and therefore increase the union's strength.

Don't worry, another letter is going to the head of the union. I'm not looking for advice on the internets, just some dialogue that might spur my creativity. I'm just wanting ideas in a format I know they won't see.

[demosincebirth]

1. Pretty tough without a closed shop. Good luck, though.

[tavalon]

2. Ouch

I know, but we are trying our hardest. Any advice would be appreciated.

[wasupaloopa]

3. Our union had meetings during lunch hour led by the reps.

It was a voluntary meeting where reps explained the current situation and questions from the membership were addressed. We also had a news letter