TACTICS ITF: Developing strategic campaigns Module Eight What are tactics? ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 2 Individual elements of a strategy. Specific activities, usually collective. Have a date and location. Escalation of tactics
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What are tactics? ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 2 Individual elements of a strategy.
Specific activities, usually collective.
Have a date and location.<br>
03
Escalation of tactics ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 3<br>
04
Escalation Escalate from low to high intensity tactics.
Compress the length of time between tactics to build momentum. ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 4<br>
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70% or more participation You want a sign of strength to the employer, not weakness.
If not enough workers want to participate, look for tactics which are lower risk or better fit the culture. ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 5<br>
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Low risk tactics Ideal tactics are low risk for workers and impact the target.
Use humour and creativity.
Look for tactics which tell the truth about injustice. ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 6<br>
07
Low risk tactics Wearing the same colour clothes or armbands
Petitions
Distribution of information
Leafleting large public events
Not talking or talking about a particular problem in the workplace in a synchronised manner
Competitions (example – collection of money awarded to the one who is yelled at the most by the manager)
Social events and celebrations ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 7<br>
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Anything which is done collectively can become a good tactic ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 8 How could you make this tactic collective?
A resolution presented by top union leaders at a shareholders’ meeting.<br>
09
More low risk tactics Badges or stickers
Investigations and reports from ally groups (NGOs, women’s groups, universities…)
Songs / slogans
Gathering at a border crossing
Phone / email / postcard protests
Appeals for justice from community allies
Visible positive appreciation of workplace union leaders
Anonymous workers’ stories ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 9<br>
10
Low risk tactics – surveys Keep the survey short, only 1-2 questions
Report the results when you are ready ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 10 Example:
Has your workload increased in the last 3 months?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
Has your workload had a negative impact on the quality of your work? [ ] Yes [ ] No “85% of workers surveyed say their workload has increased. 75% say this has a negative impact on the quality of their work.”<br>
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Low risk tactics – worker stories Distribute anonymous stories of injustice at:
The workplace
Sporting or social events
Fairs and markets
Media events
Central business or transport locations
Use allies (universities or NGOs) to write reports. ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 11<br>
12
Delivering the message Banners
Billboards and signs
Balloons
Pastries or candies with messages
Games
Video
Social and news media ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 12<br>
13
Predict how the target will respond With unusual tactics, put more effort into your relationship with the decision maker. Let them know that you are rational.
You might want to meet with the target before you act. ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 13<br>
14
Planning tactics Plan your hardest hitting tactic first. Create lower impact tactics leading up to it.
Involve workers in planning tactics. They are more likely to participate. ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 14<br>
15
Example: If you plan a strike, you must first: Organise a “practice strike”.
Publicise a survey of workers showing overwhelming majority ready to strike.
Deliver a truckload of picket signs to the office of a top decision maker. ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 15<br>
16
Indirect targets Focus your tactics on the indirect target.
Include your campaign goals and the name of the direct target to avoid confusion. ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 16 Link indirect target to a campain goal
Indirect target: Grocery store with High Prices
Direct target: International Trucking Co.
Large letters / banners: HIGH PRICES at Apples Grocery Store
Small letters: We are here today protesting high prices. In addition to high prices Apples Grocery Store uses International Trucking Co. that makes drivers work long hours, creating fatigue and unsafe road conditions in our community.<br>
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Never stop! ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 17 Keep the pressure constant.
Stay on your target long enough to make a serious impact.
Do not flip between targets and strategies.<br>
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ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 18 Activity: Tactics chart Aim: Create campaign tactics
Tasks: Select a facilitator and timekeeper
On the top left corner of the tactics chart, write in the name of your direct target.
In the left column list 1-3 direct and/or indirect targets.
Fill in low, medium and high tactics.
Include initial contact with your target in the “low intensity” column.<br>
Activity: Tactics chart When you are done make sure that the tactics:
Impact your direct target?
Involve workers or allies in collective action?
Fit with your strategy and campaign message? ITF: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS 20<br>
