Salting

[NoOneIsIllegal]

* I wasn't sure if I should post this in Learning on Non-Political (because the post is personal)

In case you aren't aware of what salting is, here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_%28union_organizing%29) and here (http://www.iww.org/en/organize/strategy/salt.shtml). The 2nd link is extremely useful and informational, however, I'm posting here because I'm wondering if any of you have had experience salting before. Maybe some tips and tricks, pros and cons, stuff I should say or avoid saying?

I currently work at a job where I'm paid a decent amount for what I do. However, it seems the past month the new management team has become very hostile, specifically towards me. They recently pulled me into their office to give me a verbal warning. It's only a matter of time before I'm not working there, because they're either taking me off the payroll or I'll be leaving voluntarily.
My local IWW GMB has been organizing at a certain workplace, and they went public last year by performing a work-stoppage (everyone walked out and protested in the street, with accompanying supporters). The union organizing has taken a set-back, but there are still people in there organizing. Because of my current situation, I'm considering trying to get in there as well. I'm fully aware of the pay I'll be getting (which isn't as much), and the mixed schedules, but I'm use to both of those from past jobs. I really don't know where else to turn for a job right now, and the situation is very hot at this place, so it could be a make-or-break moment.

So, that's my story. The opportunity has risen where I can salt and help participate in this workplace struggle.
Do people have any personal stories of salting, or knowledge of it? I'll be sitting down soon with the fellow Wobblies who are already hired there to discuss the situation and everything about it, but I'm interested in knowing if anyone else here has anything to say.
Help me out so I don't fuck this up? :thumbup1: :laugh:

The IWW is actually down at the workplace right now, trying to confront the notorious boss about recent settlements with the NLRB. I was told not to go because I could be recognized if i do decide to salt.

[RED DAVE]

The IWW is actually down at the workplace right now, trying to confront the notorious boss about recent settlements with the NLRB. I was told not to go because I could be recognized if i do decide to salt.If you have been told by IWW people or activists on the job not to DON'T GO!

If you do, you are placing your own assessment and need above those of the workers at the site, which is uncomradely, to say the least.

As to your condition on your current job, you should probably hang on as long as you can. Start looking for other places where you can work and spread some NaCl.

RED DAVE

[Nox]

However, it seems the past month the new management team has become very hostile, specifically towards me. They recently pulled me into their office to give me a verbal warning. It's only a matter of time before I'm not working there, because they're either taking me off the payroll or I'll be leaving voluntarily.


May I ask why they are becoming hostile and giving you warnings?

[NoOneIsIllegal]

May I ask why they are becoming hostile and giving you warnings?
I honestly have no clue. I've worked for the company for 3 years, and have been given several good evaluations, especially a great one last year. All of a sudden, two of the managers (who liked me, I think) were replaced and these two new guys are complete asses. I've never had a complaint of this kind the past 3 years, but they pulled me aside and said I've worked "very slow" the last couple days, and I am not enthusiastic (what do they want me to do, dance while working?)
I'm a very friendly person, and I don't get where all of this is coming from, considering I've never had anyone mention this before the past years. They say snide remarks and subtle comments that get under my skin. Just earlier today one of them was joking around, and then he turns to me, and in a monotonous voice says "Are you just wandering around?" Uuuuhhh wtf? No, I'm actually walking past you to deliver this box to another area, dumbass.

I think they're "building a case" against me. I've seen this tactic done before, and I think it works like this: Rather then fire the person right away, which could have consequences, they slowly pick out instances over time of "problems" so if a problem comes up, they can have a whole "list" of complaints to justify your firing, just not one instance. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I'm pretty sure they're trying to make a list for me.

But besides this, I'm still very interested in hearing stories and advice on salting, just in case I do switch workplaces.

[JoeySteel]

Hmm.. I'm surprised to see public discussion of salting here as it should be done only on a verbal basis... salting is not a type of activism or a hobby, it is a full time commitment and one that will involve yourself and your comrades in the workplace facing danger. if you are prepared to properly commit to this type of activity, it will provide many many meaningful positive and negative lessons along with growth in organizing ability. it is not a thing to be toyed with or to try out, and safety and discipline are maximally important. to be honest, i don't believe it's appropriate to share stories about salting on the internet whatsoever. any information on specific aspects of salting or the experience can be used by bosses and management schools to train people against salting. in the USA i believe it is illegal as well.

[Commissar Rykov]

Been in the same place as you where the company got hostile because they were mismanaging the company but instead of cutting salaries of the managers they started gutting their departments to try and float them a little longer. I was constantly harassed and given more and more work to do but it would be given while being yelled at for not doing it. I kept up and eventually since they couldn't write me up they just completely cut my hours to zero and pretended I didn't exist. Thankfully my State sided with me in regards to my Unemployment Claim that my Employer tried to say I quit and stopped showing up to work thus it was my fault.

I wish I could offer some help on how to organize but my last workplace specifically had a policy of sacking anyone who even remotely talked about unionizing. Which I question the legality of but I don't have enough money to employ any lawyers to look into it anyways.