We had a problem at our garage in Ohio. The cars were being broken into or stolen. We asked for security or some other way to stop this so we would not have constant worry while out in the field. The union leadership told our steward it was a decision the union could not be involved in. The local steward was in the parking lot after a break in and the people were looking at the new car damaged. The garage 2nd level laughed and said he drove a junk and was not worried. The next morning the steward gathered the technicians and discussed having a meeting that morning to go over options. Yes it was during the work start. When other groups found out they also joined the "meeting" to get answers. the steward said managers would come into the room and tell people to get to work. He said if they pick out anyone to speak to they should not look the manager and put their head down. the managers stormed into the room and did exactly what he said they world do. they left and then a 3rd level came in. he then left and a VP was next. The VP realized the steward was in control and asked hat he wanted. The steward said security to prevent the theft and damage. The VP agreed and asked if people would go back to work. The steward then told every one to go back to work. As the people were filling out the 3rd level said to the steward " you don't think your going back do you? lets go to the office"
the managers including the VP were in the room. The 3rd level asked if he wanted a union person in the room . He said no. The VP then asked what caused the "meeting" the steward pointed to the 2nd level and told the VP what he said. The VP then asked the steward to step out of the room and wait.
everyone heard a lot of yelling. Then the VP asked the steward back and told everyone else to leave. He only had one question for the steward. " how did he get everyone to do what he asked them to do?"
His response was simple. When you show respect and concern for people and try to answer them honestly they will follow. He had tried to get the problem resolved with management and the union.
the union leadership ignored him and the building manager just laughed.
The VP thanked him and said he could go back to work.
Think it was over? no by a long shot. The union leadership tried to have him removed at the next elections. It failed. he ended up being the steward for 490 people after elections were held.
so the real story is simple, if you stick together ATT will back down or at least offer better options.
The union leadership will then panic.