Bargaining & Mobilization

Mobilization is the "act of mobilizing." Webster defines mobilizing as putting into movement or circulation; to assemble or make ready for war, duty and to marshal (as resources) for action.

Just as we prepare each grievance as if it were eventually going to arbitration, we must prepare (through mobilization) each bargaining unit as if we were eventually not going to reach a settlement. It's too late to build a mobilization structure and educate and involve the members once the contract has expired.

Many Mobilization activities occur around bargaining time. For Locals that have functioning Mobilization structures, activities can occur at any time...not just during bargaining. If a Local wants to alert the membership about a Legislative or Political Activity, a Social Event, a special Membership Meeting, etc., utilizing the Mobilization Structure is a quick and efficient way. A working Mobilization Structure also keeps members involved through on-on-one contact.

There is power in an informed and involved membership. Mobilization efforts bring members together with a common goal. That goal can be a community project, speaking before a city council or supporting bargaining through activities. The best negotiators in the world cannot bring in a Contract without the help of the membership through education and action.

Every Local should have a Mobilization Committee that meets regularly and keeps the structure up to date and running smoothly. It is much easier to do this on a continuous basis versus once every two or three years.

Mobilization can mean the difference in obtaining a great versus a mediocre contract; the election of good candidates versus bad and the education of many members versus few. Mobilization is one of the most important activities that every Local should be involved in.

MOBILIZATION DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE