Teamsters are using contract campaigns to involve members and win better contracts.
Members collect signatures on a Contract Unity Pledge. This is an easy first action to get members involved and a good way to collect phone numbers so members can be updated during negotiations.
Teamsters and other union members are using new tactics to win better contracts. Closed-door negotiations are out. Contract campaigns are in. Are you ready to win a better contract? Here are some tips for how you can increase the union’s bargaining leverage by mobilizing members in a contract campaign.
Prepare Early
The first step in winning a strong contract is preparing in advance for negotiations. Don’t wait until the company is demanding givebacks or members are voting on a weak offer to get organized.
Talk to your co-workers before negotiations start about their contract goals. These may differ by shift, classification, or age.
A strong contract campaign unites members by fighting for issues that affect every group so everyone has skin in the game and a reason to stick together.
Form a Contract Action Team
The next step is to build a contract committee or Contract Action Team (CAT).
A CAT is a group of stewards and members who keep members updated and organize actions to show management that members are united.
A good first action for the Contract Action Team is a contract survey or a Contract Unity Pledge.
Set up a table at the entrance to work or in a break room with other CAT volunteers.
Talk to members face-to-face about contract negotiations and ask them to fill out a survey ranking their top issues or to sign a Contract Unity Pledge.
Make sure to collect members’ phone numbers. That way the Contract Action Team can keep them updated about developments in negotiations and contract campaign actions.
Keep Members Informed
Information blackouts during contract negotiations help management and weakens the union.
Management always knows what’s happening in contract negotiations. Teamsters should not be kept in the dark.
The new International Union leadership has ended information blackouts in national bargaining.
You can do the same in your local contract negotiations.
Use leaflets, text messages, break room meetings, and parking lot meetings to answer questions, combat rumors, and keep members updated. Members are more likely to stick together when they are kept informed and involved.
Parking lot meetings right before work are a good way to update members and show management that the workforce is getting united.
Source: Teamsters Local 96
Take Action
Contract campaign actions build member confidence and increase the union’s bargaining leverage.
Start with something simple. Have every member sign a Contract Unity Pledge.
Hold a parking lot meeting where members hold signs that say “United for a Strong Contract” or other signs that highlight key contract demands.
Organize “Teamster Tuesdays” where members all wear a matching sticker or T-shirt.
Keep your message clear and stay focused on your contract campaign’s priority issues.
Tip: If you wear buttons, stickers, or t-shirts make sure that they comply with your company’s uniform policy.
Practice Picket
As the contract expiration date approaches, it may be time to organize a “practice picket” with Just Practicing picket signs.
Practice picketing is a good way to reduce members’ fear of a strike and increase management’s fear of strike action at the same time.
Practice picket lines are also a good way to get media attention and to build public support by inviting other unions, community allies, faith leaders, and elected officials to join you on the picket line.
Tip: Some Teamster contracts prohibit picketing of any kind, even practice picketing, during the contract. Consult your contract and your local union.
Practice picketing shows management and the media that members are getting strike-ready.
Source: Teamsters Local 804
Never Done a Contract Campaign?
If you’ve never had a contract campaign at your workplace, TDU can help. We’ve helped Teamsters in every kind of industry and every kind of local organize contract campaigns and win better contracts. Contact us for help getting started.
Show The Boss We’re United
“During the contract fight my union brothers and sisters came together, and we showed management we were united with big signs all over the parking lot and practice picketing. Pepsi saw we were serious about striking, so they paid up. We won our best contract ever!"
Tonia Jackson
Pepsi, Local 90, Des Moines
More Involved Than Ever Before
“Our contract expires in October, but we’re kicking off our contract campaign early and building a Contract Action Team. This will be my third contract, and it’s definitely been a different—and better—experience. We’re energized like we’ve never been before. More people are getting active this time. It’s going to be a fight, but we’re ready to win.”
Dave Morton
Zenith Logistics, Local 135, Indianapolis