ORGANISING is one of Kommunal’s strategies to get members more active so they can gain more influence.
Background Previously, we offered members to solve problems for them – instead of providing them with necessary tools so they can solve their problems themselves.
Organising = more than recruiting
Method 1. Identifying and preparation 2. Private talks
- Never during working hours, never at the workplace - Create trust and relationships - Identify issues and leaders/activists
3. Create union activity, form a workplace group and develop trade union leaders 4. Pursue issues collectively and recruit members 5. Win and hand over!
1 year pilot project • Jan 2013 – Feb 2014 • 8 organisers employed in 3 of Kommunal’s 13 regions • 14 workplaces/companies were affected • In 11 of these workplaces, many have become active, the union density has increased and workers have united to get better terms and conditions.
Results of the pilot project • 1200 private talks • 347 new people active in the union • Trade union density increased in most of the workplaces concerned, e.g. from 22% to 70% and from 47% to 77% • 300 participants attending union courses • 500 participants attending union meetings
Today: Organising is a permanent activity The longer we continue, the better results we will achieve. .
Up-to-date results, private elderly care • At the start: 86 workers, 1 workplace representative, union density 67% • Results after 6 months: - 75 private talks - 102 participants attending trade union meetings - 28 participants attending trade union courses - 9 leaders, 20 activists, many more involved - 6 new workplace representatives - Union density now 85%, an increase by 18%. - Collective actions have lead to improvements.
Organising in the future • By working with organising we can: Give more members tools to unite and demand improvements Increase the number of active members Build long-term sustainable union structures at workplaces Be more present and have more members active at the workplaces, a trade union which the members are active in and satisfied with.
Members’ own stories about organising
What was your view of the trade union before you became organised? • I was hesitant that the union could do anything for me or my workplace. Didn’t realise that it is we, the members, who should do most of the changes together with the union and its support. /Susanne Bass, practical nurse • My view was that the union would come and rescue me if there was any trouble with my employer. I didn’t know about my rights and obligations. Then it was easier for the employer to decide, we did as they said in fear of losing our jobs. /Shahina Ally, practical nurse • My view of unions has always been positive. It has always been natural for me to be a member. But unfortunately our branch has been difficult to contact. /Johanna Karlehem
How do you look upon the union now? • Today I am positive to the trade union. I’ve got a completely different picture of the union and a new understanding of the importance of being a member and that together are we strong. /Susanne Bass • We feel confident and strong. Through their efficiency and enthusiasm, the organisers made us change our view of the union. A lot of things have been changed at work and a lot inside ourselves has also changed, all in a short period of time. We have regained our trust in the union and with the new concept WE ARE THE UNION, we have the self-confidence to change our situation and not feel unwell anymore at work. /Shahina Ally • Much more positive. More people are active now. I feel the organisers have listened to us. /Johanna Karlehem
How do you think your work situation had been today without the organising? Would you have become active? • We didn’t have the strength nor the knowledge to carry through any changes at our workplace without the organisers. I wouldn’t have become an active member without the knowledge I now have. /Susanne Bass • I can’t imagine that we would have been able to do any changes without the support of the organisers. I wouldn’t have been an active member. /Shahina Ally • It would have been the same as before; many members but not active and more negative. I wouldn’t been as active then. /Johanna Karlehem
What do you think, how do you feel today? • I have gained new understanding and knowledge and feel confident that it is we, the members, who together make the importance changes and see what needs we have in our own workplace. I really appreciate that we met with the organisers and all their support. /Susanne Bass • We have begun cooperating and we have gained trust in each other. I am proud to say that I am an active member. /Shahina Ally • I’m positive. We can only get stronger. There may be difficulties, but it will only get better. Some will continue to be active members, perhaps some won’t, and others will become more active. /Johanna Karlehem