The Seven Pitfalls on the Road to Adjustment

Pitfall #1

Assuming that you and your members are powerless. Too often a layoff or closure situation leaves the workers feeling powerless. You are not. To avoid this pitfall, start by looking at the sections called Take the lead and Fight back.

Pitfall #2

Letting the employer set the agenda. Given a chance the employer will choose the quickest route. It doesn't have to be that way. To avoid this pitfall, start by looking at the sections called Take the lead and Form a Joint Committee.

Pitfall #3

Not having your members behind you. Employers will use anything they can to undermine your efforts. Remember: Your members are your power. To avoid this pitfall, look at the section called Take the lead.

Pitfall #4

Giving out mixed signals and not being strategic. There is so much to do that it is easy to undermine your efforts by not planning your actions. A workable plan is well worth the effort it takes to develop. To avoid this pitfall, look at the section called Take the lead. Pay particular attention to the pages dealing with the Union Action Committee.

Pitfall #5

Letting governments off the hook. Governments have backed off from their responsibilities for helping workers faced with adjustment situations. This is a disservice to all workers. To avoid this pitfall, look at the section Deal with government.

Pitfall #6

Trying to do everything yourself. Adjustment is a time to call in all your allies and sources of support: union, personal, and community. To avoid this pitfall, look at the section Fight back and the resource called General information.

Pitfall #7

Not having enough information. Adjustment is a stressful time with many demands requiring immediate attention but it is still important to know as much as you can about what to do and how others have handled it. To avoid this pitfall, take the time to look at the resources on Worker-Centred Approaches and the Checklists.