Knock, knock! Unionbusters are coming

NYSUT joined forces with the Public Employees Federation and the state AFL-CIO this spring to launch an aggressive advertising campaign to educate public-sector union members about the monied forces behind union-busting efforts.

Centered on a 30-second ad titled “Showdown,” the campaign lets union members know that the doorknockers who encourage them to surrender their union membership are part of a $10 million national anti-worker campaign funded by billionaires.

Campaign ads will appear throughout April and May on social media and digital video platforms, including YouTube and Hulu.

“They know that strong unions give workers, both union and nonunion, better pay, better health care, safer working conditions and a voice in the workplace,” intones the “Showdown” voiceover. “And that means money out of their pockets.” The ad calls on union members to tell anti-union doorknockers that they’re “sticking with our unions because New York is union strong.”

To further fight back against well-heeled union busters, NYSUT will again mobilize its successful statewide summer Member Organizing Institute. The MOI deploys members statewide to have one-on-one conversations with fellow NYSUT members at their homes. The goal is to forge long-lasting relationships between members and their union.

“The MOI experience was so rewarding for me,” said Sal Pergola, vice president of the Manhasset Educational Support Personnel Association. “What I learned, and passed on to members of other locals and continue to share with my own local, is priceless.”

“Our plan is to build the strongest union in history and we want you to be a part of it!” said Andy Pallotta, NYSUT president.

MOI trainings are scheduled for late June and early July at NYSUT headquarters in Latham. Participants must complete either 12 or 18 fourhour shifts, attend a two-and-a-halfday training session, be comfortable with using a smartphone, be willing to accept observation and constructive feedback and be able to walk for most of their shift.