Educate the members. Make sure the members understand the problem, even if it is not their area that is being affected. Make sure they understand that this is a hard battle to win, but it is the union's obligation to try. Think about changes to the contract. Figure out what language should be added or taken out of the contract to give us more power on this issue.
Every little roadblock created against subcontracting is a victory.
Improve production and services. Many UE locals have stopped or slowed down subcontracting and privatization by developing union plans to increase production, or deliver better services. The key to engaging in this strategy is to never get into the concession trap and to get written guarantees from the employer. If the union has a better way to organize production and lower scrap, bargain with the employer before giving the new idea. Don't accept vague promises, get a written agreement.