WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB

SECTION 2.7
CAMPAIGNING
We are best able to build GMB at work when we campaign on the issues people feel strongly about where
they work.
Every workplace has issues,but the best issues to
campaign on are those issues that are raised by the
members themselves,that affect a large part of the
workforce and that can be won by the workers.
GMB Workplace Organiser
Research into our own membership tells us that only three per cent join GMB for the financial and
individual services we offer,though they are valuable reasons for people to stay in GMB even when they
don’t have current problems at work.Three quarters of new members say they join GMB for help in
sorting out their problems at work,because as we know very few workplaces are perfect.
So the first step for a GMB Workplace Organiser looking to build the union where they work must be
to find out about what members and non-members are talking about where they work.
The key point to remember is that your members and non-members will judge GMB on how we tackle
the issue you choose to campaign around.So choose your campaign issue carefully.
This can be done in a number of ways,but most GMB Workplace Organisers pick up information from
regularly talking to colleagues,by updating their workplace map or when distributing their workplace
newsletter.
It can sometimes be useful to conduct formal surveys of GMB members and/or non members to find
out which issues are of most concern.Surveys should include contact details for those involved and ask
only a few questions on a small number of issues.
The kind of workplace campaigns you could run could include:
• Health and safety issues such as working temperatures,safety equipment,working hours,stress
at work and work-life balance.
• Pay campaigns in support of your local or national pay claim.
• Campaigns against bullying and harassment.
You can use any number of campaign tactics from gathering and submitting petitions and
organising sticker days,to conducting consultative ballots and taking direct action.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
• Your campaign must have clear and winnable goals.
• Your campaign must be widely supported and understood.
• Your campaign must be visible in the workplace.
• Your campaign must involve people doing something to support it.
• Your campaign must be based on an issue identified by the workforce.
• Your campaign must include everyone affected including non members.
• Your campaign must be aimed at recruiting non-members.
• Your campaign must be focussed on the person/persons able to give you what you want.
Your GMB Officer will be available to offer you advice and support with the campaign that you launch
where you work.Consult your Officer at the first opportunity if your members feel that some form of
direct action or industrial action is required as part of your campaign.