OSEA chapter leaders have a proud tradition of organizing members for better working conditions and contract rights. Recent anti-union legal rulings and anti-worker groups make organizing even more important. Since 2018, as a result of a US Supreme Court decision that prohibited “fair share” in contracts for public sector employees, actively signing up new members is critical to being organized and staying strong for any fight. Throughout OSEA, this is a priority.
In this same time, employee turnover and the pace of hiring has been increasing. In 2020, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 2016, which gave OSEA chapters in the public sector more rights – and an obligation – to communicate with new hires about representation and becoming members. Taking advantage of these rights is a key to success with membership.
Though HB 2016 is for public-sector employers, other labor laws make it urgent for chapters in the private sector – such as Head Start, First Student and Sodexo – to quickly reach out to new employees.
Available to every chapter, OSEA provides training for new hire outreach and membership recruitment activities. Additionally, OSEA provides worksite organizer (WSO) training, so chapters can be strong in every worksite. The goal of the WSO program is to have at least one member active in every worksite who is the day-to-day union contact. WSO programs work best with a chapter-designated coordinator who reports to the chapter officers.
Whether public or privatized, every chapter can model their best practices from these trainings. Every represented employee should be asked to join OSEA. And, every effort should be made by chapter officers to engage all members. Engaging with everyone we represent will help every time we have to fight for better contracts or take a stand on important workplace issues.
OSEA has toolkits to support your organizing efforts:
OSEA staff can adapt these materials for a specific chapter, with some notice. Chapters are highly encouraged to work with OSEA staff for help with your plans. It’s also critical for chapters to send important data back to staff about new hire outreach and membership activity. From guidelines for making presentations to new hires, to worksheets for developing your personal union story, to planning checklists and more – using these resources can improve what your chapter may already be doing and have more success. For all types of organizing, OSEA staff are available to help.