WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB

SECTION 2.8
SIGNING PEOPLE UP
Signing people up to GMB is a central part of making GMB as strong and effective as it can be where you
work.Too often GMB’s power to change what employers do is undermined by having too few members to
be effective.You should use the campaigns and negotiations you are involved in to build GMB–but this,
in the end,means getting used to asking people to join.Although GMB does not expect you to become a
salesperson for the union,bear in mind the following tips:
RECRUITMENT TIPS
• Get the person talking about how they feel about the work and any problems they face.
• Explain how the union can help with these problems.
• Explain what GMB is and what it stands for at your workplace.
• Tell them why you joined GMB.
• Give examples of people who are already GMB members.
• Give examples of how GMB has helped its members in your workplace.
• Make sure you have application forms and a pen with you so they can join up on the spot.
• Sometimes people need help in filling out forms,so always offer to assist.
• If they have any questions about GMB,always try to find out the answer and make sure you come
back to them.
• Wherever possible ask members to join by Direct Debit straight from their bank account.If they do
not have their bank details with them on their bank card for example,ask them to sign section
four of the membership form and check that they would be happy to give you their details over the
phone later.
• Avoid discussing GMB’s financial and personal services.
• If they don’t want to join but say they’ll think about it,make sure you go back to them in a week or
so and try again.
• Remember: fewer than 10 per cent of people who tell us they will send the form in the post
actually do so in the end.
• Don’t get into a heated discussion with a person who is clearly hostile to the union.
• Welcome them to GMB when they join and make sure they know how to contact you if problems
arise.
• Make it a habit to talk to your members one-to-one or in small groups about the job,the workplace
and the union.Keep up the contact.If you can’t get to talk to workers during working hours,you
may need to talk to them at break times or before or after work.If you can’t get hold of them
during working hours,then keep in touch by telephone or e-mail.
REMEMBER: People can join GMB on line by going to the website
www.gmb.org.uk/join