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Here’s what the workshop offers, section-by-section:

1. How bargaining works

  • Identify what it takes to win in negotiations.
  • Brainstorm about what the local can do to get a good collective agreement, before bargaining starts.
  • Discuss the bargaining process.
  • Define the roles of members on the bargaining committee.
2. Deciding on bargaining priorities
  • Discuss the importance of finding out what the members want.
  • Develop a bargaining survey.
  • Recognize the need to bargain for ALL members of the local.
3. Bargaining proposals
  • Identify the needs of your local.
  • Practice developing contract language to meet those needs.
4. Building membership support
  • Identify what members can do to be part of the collective bargaining process.
  • Develop ways to get members involved.


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