An involved membership is an important tool in the fight for good contracts, to organize new employees and to solve problems on the job. But most employees aren't born union activists and many don't think their participation makes much difference. To convince them otherwise, we have to show that their participation will be worthwhile and maybe even enjoyable. Here are some proven ways to build participation and strengthen the union. Find out what members want.
Members are more likely to participate in the union when it's tackling an issue they care about.
Come up with a list of workplace problems that really bug people. The issues can be small, like the condition of the restrooms or the way assignments are made. A winnable issue is something that has a reasonable solution that members believe is fair. If you are working with a group that's not very involved in the union, don't start with a problem that requires a lot of money to fix or something that management has a longstanding commitment not to change. Do a power analysis Figure out who in management has the authority to solve the problem and then figure out how to influence them.