Organizing a Strike

1
Organizing a Strike
2
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

3
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.

4
Why would you want to organize a strike? (cont.)

• Striking tests your ability to effectively
  confront the company.
• Striking mobilizes and unifies your membership.

5
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

6
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

7
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.

8
If negotiations fail...

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