Size up the employer's strengths and weaknesses. Know the union's strengths and weaknesses. Often, we must wait until the employer really needs our cooperation, then we bargain hard over the current problem and over the bigger issues, like subcontracting. We shouldn't wait until contract negotiations to deal with issues like this. 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.
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. Remember, it doesn't hurt to occasionally remind the employer of the bloated salaries and benefits that they get.