Organizer

Organizing the unorganized is the charge of all unionist, whether they be an international officer, local union officer, or a steward. A major task of the steward is to organize the members in his/her department. Listed below are the things the steward should know to fulfill the role of organizer and suggestions as to how to do them:

How you go about it:

1.  Respect the sincerity and opinions of every worker.
2.  Treat all alike regardless of face, sex color or political beliefs.
3.  Protect the interest of the non-union worker as diligently as you may defend the union member.
4.  Recognize that your union is a voluntary association of free men and women. Solid support can only be won through reason, persuasion and effective representation.
5.  Keep everlastingly at it.
6.  Be Sure To MEET THE NEW HIRE ON THE FIRST DAY!!!

Tips For Face-To-Face Contacts

• Introduce yourself.
  
• Make eye contact.
  
• Contact at the right time. Do not contact an employee during normal work hours - catch them during break, lunch, or before or after work.
  
• Be yourself. Smile, relax, use the kind of language you use every day.
  
• Have some piece of information to give or leave with the worker to break the ice.
  
• Be polite. If a worker refuses to talk to you, don't get into an argument, tell the person you'll catch them another time (do follow up).
  
• Be frank. If you get a question that you can't answer, don't try to bluff. Tell the person you will try to get the answer.
  
• Don't preach. You should talk about the issue to help lead the person to his or her own conclusion. This is a much more effective approach than a hard sell.
  
• Listen. Listen to what the worker says - it will give you insight into their particular concerns and objections. Sometimes the best way to convince a person is just by listening and letting them know that the union cares what they think.