Organizing a Strike What is a strike A

Organizing a Strike

What is a strike? A strike is a form of direct action used often, but not solely, by labor unions in which workers band together to refuse to work until certain demands are met

Why would you want to organize a strike? • Striking shuts down operations at a factory or other work site, forcing the employers to answer workers' demands. • Striking attracts a great deal of public attention to your cause. • Striking shows how committed workers are to what they're negotiating for.

Why would you want to organize a strike? (cont. ) • Striking tests your ability to effectively confront the company. • Striking mobilizes and unifies your membership.

How do you organize a strike? • Notify the national offices, update and report throughout the duration of the strike • Set up committees to handle the various planning responsibilities for the strike – – – General strike committee Negotiating committee Picketing committee Publicity committee Financial/fundraising committee

How do you organize a strike? (cont. ) • Come up with a budget that includes: – Legal expenses – Publicity and advertising expenses – Food, rent, utility, transportation, and other financial assistance for strikers – Printing expenses – Additional expenses

How do you organize a strike? (cont. ) • Draw up a list of demands and set a deadline. – What you want – Why you are threatening to strike – Why you want what you want – A guarantee that striking workers will not suffer any negative consequences • Negotiate as much as you can before picketing.

If negotiations fail. . . • Get your picketers out there! • Negotiate further with management until you reach a mutual conclusion