New presidents work on tactics for mobilizing members and improving confidence in running their locals
 

 

June 18, 2010

What were the two most important goals for new local presidents?  Mobilizing members and improving confidence in running their locals were the two most important outcomes identified at the June 8th and 9th orientation for new local presidents.

Twenty three new local presidents met at OPSEU head office to discuss common strategies in building their membership, learn about the structure and workings of OPSEU and discuss techniques they use to deal with management.  Additionally, participants were able to put names to faces when they met OPSEU staff presenters and toured OPSEU’s head office.

Many ideas and experiences were discussed and shared during the two day orientation. Topics for discussion included how to gain management respect for the union, how to build a healthy steward structure and ways to get the members more involved.  Some strategies the local presidents discussed were:

To gain management’s respect:

• Maintain a professional image

• Follow through on promises made

• Make constructive use of the grievance process

• Keep the lines of communication open

To build a healthy steward structure:

• Use retirees as mentors

• Conduct orientation sessions

• Encourage participation in  regional and local educationals

To mobilize the membership:

• Speak to affected members personally

• Attend public management meetings (for example hospital board meetings)

• Decorate your workspace with a theme (for example blue Mondays)

When discussing member mobilization, one participant fondly remembered sharing a “Good bye Ernie Eaves” cake with their co-workers.

Overall, the two-day course enhanced the skills and knowledge of the participants relative to their role as president.  They gained an understanding of the “ins and outs” of OPSEU and had the invaluable opportunity to listen to what other participants were trying out in their locals and regions.