RNK
2nd March 2007, 13:30
I've been inspired by Organic Revolution's tale of the little man's triumph over the goliath capitalist, so I was wondering if anyone could give me any info on how to go about doing something like that myself.
First off, let me say that I work in a video game testing location that hires anywhere from 50-200 people at any given time. Let me also say that the employment here is often "less" than secure. Most of us are hired by 2 or 4 month contract, while a minority are permanent. The main problem that this has spawned is the obvious friction in the workplace. Although it is slight, it is still a wedge driven inbetween worker solidarity. This makes the permanent workers far less likely to risk their jobs because of some temps being given the boot.
This company is no stranger to mass layoffs. About a year ago, after a hiring spree which saw nearly 100 new employees added, they up and sacked about 80 of 'em. I'm not talking about "your contract ran out" sacked. I mean it happened literally a week into a new 2 month contract. At the time I never realized the implications of this but after having spent time here I can recognize how fucked up that was. What's the point of a contract if they can negate it at any time and sack 80 people?
Anyway, I'm now working there again and I've like some advice on how I should proceed. I don't want to come right out and try to aggressively push unionization on everyone. I have not the social skill nor the popularity to even try. I'd like a more subtle approach. The first obvious course of action would be to leave pamphlets and flyers lying around for everyone to read. The next obvious course of action would be to ask Comrades like YOU if going to an organization like the IWW would be a good idea in this case.
Thanks.
First off, let me say that I work in a video game testing location that hires anywhere from 50-200 people at any given time. Let me also say that the employment here is often "less" than secure. Most of us are hired by 2 or 4 month contract, while a minority are permanent. The main problem that this has spawned is the obvious friction in the workplace. Although it is slight, it is still a wedge driven inbetween worker solidarity. This makes the permanent workers far less likely to risk their jobs because of some temps being given the boot.
This company is no stranger to mass layoffs. About a year ago, after a hiring spree which saw nearly 100 new employees added, they up and sacked about 80 of 'em. I'm not talking about "your contract ran out" sacked. I mean it happened literally a week into a new 2 month contract. At the time I never realized the implications of this but after having spent time here I can recognize how fucked up that was. What's the point of a contract if they can negate it at any time and sack 80 people?
Anyway, I'm now working there again and I've like some advice on how I should proceed. I don't want to come right out and try to aggressively push unionization on everyone. I have not the social skill nor the popularity to even try. I'd like a more subtle approach. The first obvious course of action would be to leave pamphlets and flyers lying around for everyone to read. The next obvious course of action would be to ask Comrades like YOU if going to an organization like the IWW would be a good idea in this case.
Thanks.