Will Call Center Servicing Solve Labor's "Customer Satisfaction" Problems?

Thanks, herring. A long article, but it makes several valid points; especially about SEIU members feeling disconnected from their union in the wake of this so-called "servicing" approach. One of my colleagues (who is in an SEIU bargaining unit), has real concerns about this tangible loss of local reps, and anticipates several potential "unintended" consequences of this move on the part of the International. Having stewards in the workplace is so important for member communication, education, organizing, and mobilization for contract enforcement and to proactively address workplace grievances.

The author, Steve Early, worked as a CWA international representative and organizer between 1980 and 2007. He is currently writing a book for Cornell ILR Press on the role of Sixties' movement activists in American labor. I'm sure there'll be one or two lessons to be learned that validate the oft-quoted admonition, "if you don't know your history, you're doomed to repeat it."

­­Bill Fletcher, author of Solidarity Divided: The Crisis in Organized Labor and a New Path Toward Social Justice, told UHW member leaders at our annual Leadership Conference that our fight for democracy within SEIU is among the most important work being d­one in the labor movement today.
Please view the Video below

http://seiuvoice.org/article.php?id=540