Organizing New Members

A study performed on union members raised the issue what can unions do to shape the attitudes of new members during their first few months of membership. The study found one of the chief areas that affected the level of commitment by the new member was their initial experience on joining the union.

Not all locals conduct orientation meetings and not all of these meetings are key to gaining member loyalty.  The key is the shop steward and what he or she does when a new member comes on the property and how the steward conducts himself or herself on a daily basis. So what can you do?

Here are some suggestions:

1.  Meet and greet any new face in your area. Tell them who you are and why there is a union on the property.

2.  Buy them a cup of coffee and sit down to have a friendly chat. Answer any questions they may have.

3.  If they haven't signed up with the union, here's the opportunity to do so.

4.  If they are on probation, and most likely they are, explain to them what their rights are and what the union can do for them now and after they make probation.

5.  Provide them with an information sheet about the union, how they can reach you, where the union hall is located, and when meetings are held. Offer to take them to the first meeting where they can be introduced and properly welcomed.

6.  Introduce them to coworkers on the job.

7.  Remember to keep yourself as a visible presence on the job by wearing a union hat, button, and shop steward pin.