Tech 1010 Newsletter - Issue 31
Whether it’s the effort to unionize minor league baseball, the swell of unionizing across digital newsrooms, or right here in our own tech workplaces, one thing is clear: winning a first contract is a big deal! And with our members at CfA Workers United and Nava United both close to finishing up their first contracts, we want to highlight why it is challenging so that we can all prepare to put our weight behind these workers as they push to get their contracts over the line.
Management doesn’t want to give up their power. Up until you win your union, management has all of the power. Their goal is to keep as much of this power as possible, which can look like: granting a union voluntary recognition only to fight us at the bargaining table; dragging out bargaining by refusing to answer questions or provide information; targeting workers to create fear around union participation; and more.
Everyone is learning what it means to be in a “unionized environment.” After winning a union, everyone in your workplace is learning how to operate in relation to your union. For your colleagues, this means continuing to learn how to practice solidarity and make sure everyone’s voice is heard. For management, this means learning (or breaking) the laws that protect workers’ rights to negotiate over our working conditions.
Everything we get in the first contract is a win. A first contract sets a foundation for your union, because once it’s in your contract it is difficult for management to negotiate it out in future contract renewals. Management knows this, which is why they are so hesitant to put anything substantial in a first contract. At Kickstarter, this looked like workers saying “We like our existing Employee handbook. We want to put it in the contract.” Management resisted this for as long as possible, even though it was their own policy, because they knew once it was in the contract, they couldn’t just change it at will anymore.
So what can we learn from this? First, never stop talking about power. The more you and your colleagues are able to understand management’s actions through their desire to cling to power, the better you will be able to resist their union busting and stay unified. Second, take the time to learn together. Everyone in your union has a role to play, but not everyone will be able to find their role easily, so take the time to bring people along and help them plug in. Third, don’t take your wins for granted. (Fingers crossed) Your union will be around for a long time, so win what you can and must now, and remember you’ll get to keep building on this foundation in the future!
Solidarity forever,
Kaarthika, RV, & Toy on behalf of Local 1010