They need the benefits of being a union signatory contractor such as access to qualified workers to secure a specific project.

Follow these steps to get started:

• Identify contractors doing work in your area. You can do this by creating a simple data base and adding to it as you go along. Record information you gather about employers such as key individuals, license numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and specialty. As this list grows so will your knowledge of the industry. Pick the top 10 contractors you would like to partner with.

• Cold call these contractors with the sole purpose of starting a dialog. You are not trying to close the deal over the phone. You are simply trying to start a dialog and answer any questions they have.

• Have all of your talking points in front of you and be prepared to answer any questions. If you don’t have the answer the best thing is to admit it and offer to get back with the person at a later time. End the call by offering to schedule a meeting or send additional information.

• Send follow-up letters as a way to keep the lines of communication open. Direct mail experts have found it takes seven attempts before most respond. Some organizers send a thank you card with a brief note expressing gratitude for taking the time to speak with them. Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of such courtesy.

• Schedule a meeting to discuss opportunities with the union. It may take several calls before they agree to a meeting but you will never know until you try. Schedule the meeting in their office, at your training facility or over lunch. You want the person to feel at ease. Schedule the meeting in the morning as people seem more open than later in the day. Never meet with a contractor unless you have a contract prepared. Be ready to have them sign even at an initial meeting. This does happen more than you think.

• Take notes each time you call and use information gathered to tailor your message to their needs. Offer solutions to their problems and you will be rewarded with their attention.

• Organize your materials in a neat and tidy fashion.

You will have to rely on your gut to know if the person is ready to partner with your organization. The key is to answer all of their questions to their satisfaction and not sugarcoat anything because it will cause you problems in the future. Your reputation is on the line. Avoid the hard sell but at the same time don’t leave any meeting without asking if they are ready to sign.

It all starts with a single phone call. That next call could be the one that lands you a major shop.

Good Luck!

1. Rules For Radicals; A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals by Saul D. Alinsky

This book was first published in 1971 and is a manifesto of sorts for social change. It’s a very readable book that covers everything you need to know about community based organizing and making a difference. Saul Alinsky gets it right. Management knows this; so they’re reading it too.

2. Great Labor Quotations; Sourcebook and Reader by Peter Bollen

The author put together a fine collection of quotes from Labor’s greatest leaders. It’s inspirational as well as readable. Reading quotes from long past labor activists helps remind ourselves that we are all fighting similar struggles. The names and the places have changed but things such as living wages, medical care and retiring with dignity are the same issues fought for today. This book is a joy to read and you can rely on it to give you a shot of inspiration when you need it.

3. Organize To Win; New Research on Union Strategies by Kate Bronfenbrenner

Organize To Win is on the syllabus for many organizing classes. There are case studies and actual campaigns that are highlighted by various organizers from different industries. It’s interesting to see how different unions approach the subject of organizing. The author supports the use of data in the form of surveys, research and analysis to gauge workers attitudes during campaigns. In real world situations however organizing is less about statistics and more about service and helping individuals reach their full potential.

4. The Campaign Guide; Organizing the Construction Industry by the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department

This is a spiral reference guide designed to lie flat, that organizers can turn to for answers about legal questions that relate to organizing. For example, let’s say you were wondering what the different types of picketing are and what constitutes a secondary boycott? You would simply refer to the chapter on Picketing in the Construction Industry and voila you have your answer. The sections on communicating with workers and forming alliances are very practical. This book is not available in stores.

5. Bigger Labor; A Crash Course For Construction Union Organizers by Bob Oedy

Whether you just got hired, or are a seasoned veteran, if you want to succeed in construction organizing, Bigger Labor will show you the way. You’ll learn the nuts and bolts of construction organizing – the things they never taught you in the apprenticeship. Plus, this book is chock full of useful worksheets and checklists so you can take what you learn and apply it immediately and directly to your organizing campaign.

1. Not Returning Phone Calls- Candidates, members and contractors all expect to have phone calls returned in a timely manner. Some organizers forget this fact at their own expense. If you fail to return your calls, expect to receive a call from your Supervisor or Business Manager. Nothing says, “I don’t care” like an unreturned phone call. Consider scheduling a time each day for returning calls and stick to it.
2. Hanging Around the Office- Get out in the field and make contact with the workers and contractors. Don’t let distractions in the office; phone calls, paperwork, member’s problems, etc. steal time from your organizing duties. Get out there and make a difference.
3. Failure to Complete Written Reports- If you’re requested to turn-in daily logs or other written reports on your activities make these a priority. This is an opportunity to inform your supervisor of your actions. Don’t just assume he or she knows what you are doing. Schedule time each day to complete paperwork and turn it in like clockwork. Don’t wait until you’ve been told. If you’ve been warned about this problem in the past, consider reevaluating your priorities. If you don’t, someone else will.
4. Bad Mouthing Your Boss or Coworkers- It may take a year or so but eventually this leads to a bad attitude and once you lose attitude there’s no getting it back. It “will” get back to them. If you make a habit of speaking ill of people, soon everyone will wonder what you’ve said about them when they weren’t around. Successful people always have something positive to say or they just stay silent.
5. Waiting to be Told What to Do- Most organizers are self starters. If you haven’t been given an assignment, make one. Pick a project that you will be interested in and throw all your energy into it. If it’s interesting to you, you’ll be that much more effective and more likely to make a difference. Most organizers are given a brief tour of their jurisdiction and a few guidelines to start, and then turned loose. So don’t feel like you’re alone.
6. Avoiding Workers Who Lack Experience- You may be the only representative of the union the worker ever contacts. It’s important that you do everything you can to help a worker; that means every worker. It might be to find work, provide information or just to listen, but remember, “organizing is a service industry”.
7. Selling the Union- If you’re “selling the union”, you’re probably not “listening”, because you’re doing all the talking. Remember, you’re not a used car salesman. The best union organizers learn to “listen”. By really listening you’ll find out what the “issue” is so you can better serve your client.
8. Not Following-Up with Contacts- When you receive a phone call or meet with a client that’s just the start. You need to be sure that you are staying in touch with the person in order to be successful. Consider mailing a follow-up letter to the individual and include your contact info or business card. Thank clients for meeting with you and encourage them to stay in touch.
9. Failing to Orientate New Members- New members have a lot of questions and by helping to answer these questions you can help the person assimilate into the union. Does your union offer a new member orientation class or a mentoring program where a new member is paired up with a volunteer who’s familiar with your union’s culture? Perhaps you could invite the new member to join your organizing committee? Find some way to help each new member fit in and take ownership of their union.
10. Burning Out- The long hours required to organize can take a toll on a person. The hours and days spent away from home and family can cause stress on a marriage. Find a way to balance work and family. Take time-off when available, eat right and schedule time for exercise.

The turn-over rate of construction organizers is tragic for the labor movement. There are no signs that anything will be done to solve the problem anytime soon. The best way to insure your success as an organizer is to avoid making these ten common mistakes so you can continue to help your union expand in membership and influence.

Bob Oedy helps union organizers succeed in the construction industry by providing solutions to dramatically increase their level of performance and productivity without burning out. For free information on how you can recruit more members, sign contractors and gain jobs for your union go to => www.unionorganizer.com

Did you know that most foremen know exactly who they are going to let go weeks before they ever hand out a pink slip? It’s a standard practice in construction to make a “Lay off List” with the names of the workers on a crew in order of production. Call it a “Lay off List” a “Head Count” a “Totem Pole” call it whatever you like, but you’re on it. The real question is, “Are you on the top or the bottom”?

Often a foreman will be told, “Lay-off three workers” and given only a moment to make the decision. The names on the bottom are the first to go. You may not be aware that it’s a fluid list and that names move up and down as production increases and decreases. It’s not just productiveness that plays a role in who stays or who goes, let’s not kid ourselves. Obviously there’s room for prejudices and cronyism to take place as well, but we won’t get into that now. By the way, your foreman’s not the only one deciding who stays or goes. It may be a Project Manager or even a customer that may see you leaning against a ladder and make a split second evaluation of your work ethic. It’s not fair. That’s for sure, but unless your reputation as a hard worker precedes you, it might be too late for anyone to step in and rescue you. Some will work on many job sites and somehow managed to miss the lay offs. Is it because they’re luckier than the next person? No. It’s just that they know the ten tips for staying employed in the construction industry.

1. Walk with a Purpose- Don’t meander around on a construction site.
2. Pack a Lunch- When the lunch truck doesn’t show it won’t matter.
3. Show up Everyday- Even mediocre workers outlast those who don’t.
4. Show up On Time- This one really pays.
5. Be Flexible- Be prepared to do any task assigned, even sweeping.
6. Update your Skills- Take industry related classes.
7. Be Reachable- Buy an answering machine or cell phone.
8. Have Reliable Transportation- Buy the nicest vehicle you can afford.
9. Have A Positive Attitude- There’s no “can’t” in construction.
10. Look The Part- Dress like a professional tradesman.

Well there you have it; ten tips for staying employed in the construction industry. They may seem obvious but if that’s the case why are so many workers caught in the rut of constantly being let go? If you’re fortunate enough to work with some of the best tradesmen in the field, you’ll notice that they seem to have these qualities. Consider yourself lucky. Not everyone had the pleasure of apprenticing with such professionals. If you follow these simple steps, you will stay employed longer, earn more money and avoid having to tell your family that the holidays are going to be tight this year. Still it’s a good idea to save a little money for those slow periods.

Do you know someone that’s in need of a little guidance, perhaps a new apprentice or even a journeyman who just can’t seem to stay employed? Why not take a moment to print this article and share the knowledge that might help that person reach their full potential. Some things are best shared.

Bob Oedy helps workers succeed in the electrical construction industry by connecting highly skilled professionals with productive contractors to increase profit and value for both. For free information on how you can receive the best training in the industry, increase your income, secure your family’s future, and retire with dignity go to => www.unionorganizer.com

Speaking at public hearings requires different etiquette than at other times. For one thing, you’ll be facing the board members and likely have your back to the audience. What you say may be broadcast on television or radio and a transcript made, so your words need to be chosen very carefully. You may be speaking simply to get support or opposition to a project on the record. It may be a good idea to read your statement in order to stay on topic. On the other hand you may be speaking on a topic you feel passionate about. When it’s personal you’ll only need a few talking points to stay on topic.

Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts of speaking at public hearings;

• Do get a copy of the agenda
• Do dress conservatively
• Do bring community stakeholders
• Do turn in a Request to Speak Card
• Do use an address closest to affected area
• Do hyphenate your name if it’s difficult to pronounce
• Do show proper respect to all the speakers
• Don’t go over your allotted time
• Don’t engage in cross talk with the audience
• Don’t raise your voice or get carried away
• Don’t come unprepared

Some meetings will incorporate a light to indicate the speaker’s time is up. Take a moment to time yourself before you get up before the group so you can properly conclude your dialogue.

Decide whether to use your official title or to speak as a member of your organization or community. Choose a specific item to speak on. If the topic you wish to speak about is not found on the agenda, speak under a loosely related topic. In many cases this will be tolerated as long as you are brief and to the point.

Like anything, practice makes perfect. Take the opportunity to speak at the next public hearing and enjoy the process.

You know you need a great headline. You’ll probably only get one chance to make an impression, so you need to take your best shot. If your headline sucks no one will bother to find out more about the issue. A headline with too many words won’t get read and one with too much information will lack intensity. A great headline should push the reader’s buttons, create a sense of urgency, and compel them to act.

Try these techniques to help you create a great headline

• Choose the best words – Pick three or four words that describe the topic. Place the words in different order.
  Example #1: Smith Cheated Acme Investors Example
  Example #2: Acme Investors Cheated by Smith Example
  Example #3: Investors in Acme Cheated by Smith
• Keep it short – A headline should be brief and to the point. Limit the message to seven words or less.
  Good Example: Acme Refuses to Bargain
  Bad Example: Acme Construction Refuses to Bargain in Good Faith
• Keep it simple – Don’t confuse the reader with too much info.
  Good Example: John Smith Abuses Workers
  Bad Example: Night Shift Supervisor John Smith Abusive to Female Employees
• Push Their Buttons - Try to get a gut response.
  Example #1: Acme Development Inc. Harms Kids
  Example #2: Acme Development Inc. Bad Neighbors
  Example #3: Acme Development Inc. Cheats Seniors
• Create urgency –You need the reader to act immediately
  Example #1: Stop Construction Now! Call 555-5555
  Example #2: Stop Construction! Call Mayor Smith Today
  Example #3: Stop Construction Before it’s too Late!
• Spark Curiosity - Ask a question to get a response
  Example #1: What’s Wrong at Acme Canning?
  Example #2: Does Acme Make You Sick?
  Example #3: What Stinks at Acme Canning?

Using the above techniques, here are 3 steps to writing a great headline;

1. Write Three Headlines - Select the one you like the most
2. Sleep on it – Come back and look at your work in the morning
3. Get a Second Opinion – Ask a trusted friend or coworker for their input

If you used these ideas to create your headline you can be confident you will grab people’s attention and motivate them to action. You won’t confuse people with too much information. You may even spark their curiosity to seek more information about your cause. You’re ready to take it to the street. So get out there and create change.

1. Keep the Headline Brief – Limit your words to seven or less. Anything more and people will lose the message.
2. Make a collapsible PVC Frame – Assemble a sturdy portable frame made from inexpensive PVC pipe.
3. Recruit Volunteers - The more volunteers the better. It sends a message to the public that real people are behind the dispute.
4. Avoid High Winds – A banner tends to act like a sail even in the slightest winds. Order a union made banner with plenty of grommets and secure it with ball bungees.
5. Pick a High Traffic Area – Set up along busy traffic routes for drivers and pedestrians to see. Get the message to as many people as you can in the shortest amount of time.
6. Choose the Right Time – Make the biggest impact by timing your activities for peak traffic and maximum visibility.
7. Hand Something Out - Distribute leaflets, stickers, or buttons. This is an opportunity to connect with the public. You could also collect signatures on a petition.
8. Turn Up the Pressure – In the beginning start out slow and each day increase the amount of time and the number of volunteers. Your mission is to create a situation that builds momentum.
9. Never Fold a Banner – Avoid leaving permanent creases and wrinkles. Gently roll-up the banner when you are finished.
10. Enjoy Yourself – Show enthusiasm for what you’re doing. Your delivery is as important as the message on the banner.

Construction Organizers: Share this article with anyone contemplating becoming an apprentice.

Six Rules for Success in the Construction Industry
So you’ve decided to have a go at it? And why not? A career in construction can be very rewarding. It’s amazing how little planning some workers put into their careers; in fact many get into construction on a whim. A friend told them they could get a job, and with little or no planning, they end up in a given trade. But today, that’s just not good enough. You need to make sure that the trade you choose has long term value. Some skills are worth more than others and some trades have more work and offer more opportunities. Here’s a list of six rules you should follow to achieve long term success in the construction industry:

Rule #1- Choose Your Trade Wisely It’s a good idea to pick an activity that will lead to long term success. You’ve got to love what you do, but if you can’t find enough work to get you through the winter, what’s the point? So do a little research, read the papers and ask people on the job site what they earn and where they see the trade in five years. You might be surprised.
Rule #2- Join a Trade Union Trade unions have a long history of teaching workers through the use of apprenticeship training. This valuable training consists of on the job training and in class/in lab study. Here’s the best part, they usually pay for it too. “Earn while you learn”, is their motto. In some cases you can earn up to 60 college credits that are transferable when you attend an accredited apprentice training program. Note: Steer clear of the non-union counterparts these bogus apprenticeship programs are often little more than scams and are the black eye of the construction industry.
Rule #3- Earn Your High School Diploma If you think a High School diploma doesn’t have much to do with success in the Construction Industry, you’re wrong. With a diploma you can be accepted into a variety of accredited apprenticeship programs that will invest tens of thousands of dollars in your training. And studies prove that you will earn around $5000.00 more each year if you have a diploma than if you don’t. That’s a lot of money over the course of a career. Classes are often available in the evenings for working professionals. Sign up today to earn yours.
Rule #4- Be Punctual Tardiness is a sure fire way to get laid off in construction. Maybe you worked in an office environment and it didn’t seem like it was that big of a deal, but in construction, it’s a big deal. Trust me on this one. Safety meetings are usually conducted at the beginning of a shift, and by you not being there, you’re risking the life of every worker on the job. Not to mention its just bad business. Construction workers are paid by the hour worked. Do your career, your coworkers and your foreman a favor, show up on time every day. Even a worker with sub par skills who shows up on time will outlast a worker with good skills who has a habit of showing up late.
Rule #5- Be Flexible By its very nature construction means change, different locations, different conditions and different trades all working for a common cause, completion of the project. This means that even though each trade has a set schedule, that schedule is likely to change when conditions on the project require it. Therefore you need to be flexible too. You may be asked to work overtime to complete a task, maybe there’s wire to be pulled in and you’re only half way done, or the drywall needs to be completed tonight because the painters are coming in the morning. Whatever the situation is, it’s a good idea to be flexible. Consider working the overtime. Not everyone can, but the people who do are much more likely to remain employed through the end of a project.
Rule #6- Have a Good Attitude It’s a fact; people will always enjoy working with other people that have a good attitude. Ask yourself, “Would you rather work with a guy who enjoys his work or someone who is constantly complaining and miserable?” Exactly. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your coworkers. Some of them you are going to like and some of them you may not. Have a good attitude, enjoy yourself and leave all your problems at home.

By following these six rules for success in the construction industry, you’ll have gainful employment and have a lot of fun in the process. With a little planning, you can reach your goals, avoid that next lay-off and create the life you want.

Bob Oedy helps workers succeed in the electrical construction industry by connecting highly skilled professionals with productive contractors to increase profit and value for both. For free information on how you can receive the best training in the industry, increase your income, secure your family’s future, and retire with dignity go to => www.unionorganizer.com

Follow these simple instructions to make an inexpensive, easy to assemble, collapsible frame made from PVC pipe. In this example we will assemble a frame for a banner measuring approximately 4 feet high and 12 feet in length, with a minimum of 12 grommets.

Gather the following tools and materials

• Banner with Grommets
• Marker
• Hacksaw or PVC Cutter
• Tape Measure
• Knife
• 50 ft- 1 Inch PVC Pipe
• 2- 1” PVC 90 Degree Elbows
• 6- 1” PVC “T” Connectors
• 1- PVC “X” Connector
• 12- 6” Ball Bungees Instructions

1. Measure pipes 4–72 inch, 3–48 inch, 9–12 inch.
2. Cut the pipes to the proper lengths.
3. Clean the shavings off with a knife.
4. Lay the banner face down on ground.
5. Assemble the pieces over the banner.
6. Thread the ball bungees through the grommets.
7. Wrap the ball bungees around the pipe frame.
8. Stand the frame up and twist the feet in place.

Note: The longer pieces will run along the top and bottom of the banner. Two of the three medium length pieces will run from top to bottom on the outside edges and one will reinforce the center. The two PVC elbows hold the top corners together. The “X” connector is for the bottom center of the frame. All the rest of the connections will be made with “T” connectors. The 9 – 12 inch pipes make up the feet to hold the banner up without having to hold it. You will not need glue to attach the pieces.

The completed frame should extend 2 inches from the edge of the banner to the inside edge of the frame. The banner should be pulled tight. One inch PVC pipe works best. Anything less may be too flimsy. PVC Fittings allow the various pieces of pipe to be fitted together easily and disassembled when finished. The frame is reinforced in the middle to keep the frame from bending. To transport your banner frame, bundle the pipes together and wrap with ball bungees.

Congratulations on making the perfect UNION ORGANIZER banner frame! It is light weight, portable, inexpensive to make, and easily assembled.