Preparation — Surveys, Data & Strategy

The side that prepares better wins. Period. Here's how to prepare like a professional.

Step 1: Survey Your Members

• What are their top priorities? (Don't assume — ASK)

• What contract language is working? What's not?

• What new issues have emerged since the last contract?

• Use the Labor Education App's survey/poll feature to collect responses digitally

• Hold department meetings, shift meetings, one-on-ones

• You need to know what the membership will STRIKE over vs. what they'd like but won't fight for

Step 2: Review the Current Contract

• Read every article, every section, every word

• Identify STRENGTHS to protect (don't let management roll back gains)

• Identify WEAKNESSES to fix (language that's been used against members)

• Review all grievances filed during the contract — these reveal where the language fails

• Check arbitration decisions — they tell you how the language has been interpreted

Step 3: Gather Data

• WAGES: What do comparable employers pay? What's the cost of living increase? What's inflation?

• BENEFITS: What are other contracts providing for health insurance, pension, PTO?

• COMPANY FINANCIALS: Revenue, profits, executive compensation (public companies must disclose)

• INDUSTRY DATA: Bureau of Labor Statistics, union contract databases

• STAFFING: Turnover rates, overtime hours, vacancy rates — these prove you're understaffed

Step 4: Build Your Strategy

The Proposal Pyramid:

• TOP (Red Lines): Non-negotiable items the membership will strike over. Example: No takeaways on health insurance, no two-tier wage system

• MIDDLE (Must-Haves): Core priorities you'll fight hard for. Example: 4% annual raise, additional holiday, improved overtime language

• BOTTOM (Trade Items): Things you'd like but can trade for gains elsewhere. Example: New break room, updated uniform policy

Step 5: Develop Your Narrative

• Every bargaining campaign needs a THEME that resonates with members and the public

• Examples: 'Fair Share' — 'We built the profits, we deserve our fair share'

• 'Respect' — 'Respect our work, respect our families, respect our contract'

• 'Safety First' — 'No one should risk their life for a paycheck'

• The theme drives your messaging at the table, in member communications, and in the media