WHEREAS:

Many private employers, and a growing number of public employers, resist workers who try to secure good first collective bargaining agreements after successful organizing campaigns; and

WHEREAS:

Good first collective bargaining agreements are critical to the establishment of healthy and strong local and statewide unions; and

WHEREAS:

Successful first contract campaigns always involve a fight over the key issues that caused workers to organize their union, requiring a range of creative tactics that can bring pressure to bear on the employer. These tactics involve effective research, an ongoing ground campaign, building community support, and media outreach; and

WHEREAS:

Campaigns must also use federal, state and local labor laws to help workers assert their rights during first contract campaigns, and to protect the union against an employer-led decertification; and

WHEREAS:

Our continued organizing success has increased the number of first contract campaigns at university, state, local and private sector employers; and

WHEREAS:

When AFSCME-represented workers fight, they win.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That all AFSCME affiliates are encouraged to commit the necessary resources to secure strong first contracts for newly organized workers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union provide training to those who bargain first contracts on effective tactics and strategies, including the strategic use of labor board charges; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That all AFSCME affiliates are encouraged to exchange information on tactics and strategies, and to provide mutual support in waging contract campaigns.

SUBMITTED BY:

Henry Bayer, Executive Director and Delegate
AFSCME Council 31
Illinois