The Million Dollar Organizer

In Episode #63, we discuss the importance of choosing words carefully. Language can be clumsy. Sometimes, things just come out wrong. The wrong words can lead to hurt feelings and unintended consequences. These are difficult times we are living in. Let's try to show people respect. Choosing the right words will lead to better results for everyone.

In Episode 62, we discuss March on the Boss videos that have been viewed by millions. In some cases, employees are willing to walk-out in solidarity with fired coworkers. Find out why, these videos have become so effective. Join with labor, students and political activists in preparing for future actions. Learn what management is likely to do when confronted.  

In Episode 61, we discuss working to live as apposed to living to work. It's not exactly a new idea. Some people are choosing quiet quitting to avoid burnout and improve their health. These workers are putting balance back in the lives; no longer accepting wage theft and hostility in the workplace. Is it a solution to bigger problems? Listen in to find out more.

In Episode #60, we discuss Captive Audience Meetings. They may be illegal soon. Let's hope so... Some employers now claim to be making attendance at these meetings "voluntary." There are several things to take into account as union organizers. The host suggests sticking with the issues that matter to workers. Caution people in advance of the company's empty promises. They'll realize when managemen...

In Episode #59, we discuss ways to run efficient meetings. The host recommends  having a written agenda and providing all attendees with a copy. Use a Sign-In Sheet to gather names and learn their correct spelling. Include such things as Call to Order, Introductions, Reading of Minutes, Discussion Topics, Reports, Set Next Meeting Date and Adjournment. During introductions have attendees share the...

In Podcast Episode 58, we discuss navigating the hierarchy of seating. From the boardroom to the classroom there are established norms. Before taking a seat, know the opportunities and pitfalls of various locations. Learn a tried-and-true trick to control any room. Find out where to expect resistance and where to expect support. 

In Episode 57, we discuss possible red flags. Watch out for these signs of trouble ahead. Organizers need to be wary of rushing the cards. If the Volunteer Organizing Committee is anxious, find out why. Do you have all the information you need to proceed? Is the VOC leader trustworthy? How is their work? Are they likeable? Finally, the host shares his concerns about the state of the global economy...

In Episode #56, we remember the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in advance of Labor History Month. Labor Radio Network requested each host cover a topic of interest. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire took the lives of 146 garment workers and badly injured another 78. It's important we not forget the struggles workers face. This is a sad story but one that needs to be told. Here he conveys the outrage...

In Podcast Episode 55, we discuss a simple 4-step engagement ladder for union organizing. Engagement ladders go by many different names. They are used in marketing and recruiting. How does someone go from novice to expert? How much commitment is involved? What does it take to be successful? We cover the topic and explain the natural progression. See you at the top! 

In Episode #54, we discuss online organizing, recent trends, what's  working and some of the challenges we face. Learn what every employer wishes applicants would ask in a job interview. Find out how we can use the same approach in organizing. Finally, we discuss something that can make your union's electronic authorization cards more effective.

In Episode #53, of The Million Dollar Organizer, we discuss blocking the haters online. How to use hashtags and trending topics to block offensive messaging and online trolls. Take back the fun in your online campaign experience. Remove hateful, hurtful memes, cuss words, images and videos posted by haters by simply blocking or unfollowing them. Why allow an algorithm or trolls to post things that...

In Episode 52, we discuss the topic of double breasted or duel shops. What are they? How might we identify them? Should a Collective Bargaining Agreement have a Union Security Claus? What are some resources or agencies available to assist organizers? How can workers help? Finally, we discuss questions one might ask to determine if a company is double breasted or not. 

In Episode 51, we discuss Human Resources, the origin of the idea and how it seems to favor the employer at the expense of everyone else. The scales are tilted in favor of the company, organization, shareholders, owners, supervisors and their interests. What can worker's do in addition to hiring a qualified attorney to protect them? We cover 5 additional things workers might do to protect themselv...

In Episode 50, of the Million Dollar Organizer Show we discuss the need for solidarity with workers everywhere. Management and the status quo want to divide workers into groups pitting one against another. It's a trap! They've tried this before. Remember when they attacked public sector unions? They then went on to defund the police hurting police unions. The result is more crime. Now they are goi...

In Episode 49, we discuss the potential for using memes to tip the scales in worker's favor. People are scrolling through photos and videoclips liking and sharing content online. How can we get their attention? Organizers could use memes to compare management's perspective to that of the workers. Use social media buzz to raise the stakes. The host suggests sharing memes in solidarity with union me...

Episode #48, is a basic overview of the collective bargaining process. What to expect upon certification of an NLRB win. Who is in charge of the negotiating committee? How will we know if the employer is bargaining in good faith? What are mandatory and prohibited items of bargaining? How long should the process take? The host answers all these questions and suggests resources for those who wish to...

In Podcast Episode 47, we discuss discontent in the workplace today with up to 50% of workers considering quitting their current positions. We discuss the need for organizers to be sympathetic to workers in the face of employer mistreatment. A commentary about the reality of inflation destroying the middle class is also included. 

In Episode #46, we discuss effective hashtag strategies and how to stir things up. What can we do to build engagement? What are some examples of successful hashtag marketing campaigns? How can we avoid hashtag fails? Then, we discuss a problem plaguing every worker today; runaway inflation. The secret is out. It's not "transitory" as the talking heads have tried to portray it. The poor and the mid...

In Episode 45 of The Million Dollar Organizer, we talk about the art of leafleting like a pro. How to get your message read by the public, strategic placement, what materials to use, what to include and how best to proceed. The host describes failed efforts by management to lessen the impact of leaflets distributed at a retail location. Listen for thoughtful uses of this often-underappreciated art...

In Episode 44, we discuss the difference between union reps and union organizers. Tune-in to find out the distinction. The host recommends organizers utilize travel reward programs to get the most out of your stay. Hotels, airlines and car rental services offer credit cards for loyal customers. These benefits can result in free stays, upgrades, early check-in, flights, car washes, meals, points, e...

In Episode 43, we mourn the loss of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka who died of a heart attack at age 72. Congratulations to Liz Shuler who will serve the rest of President Trumka's term. She is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. The subject today is the importance of retiring with enough energy to travel and pursue other interests.  

In Episode 42, we discuss the global employment crisis. The host recommends writing representatives in Congress and the Senate in support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan to create union jobs. There's one tip to make your communication more impactful. He also challenges listeners to reach out to one person who has been isolated during the pandemic, to give encouragement. 

In this Episode, the host celebrates 33 years as a union member! He discusses the decision to go union, and some of the challenges he faced. Key updates to make your resume shine are recommended. New laws for preventing sexual harassment and discrimination have been passed. The host recommends reviewing your union's employment policy to familiarize yourself with these updates.  

In Episode 40, we discuss how to improve your daily reporting and  spice up presentations using video and access free commercial video. DescriptiveWords.org is a free website that has lists of descriptive words such as Positive Character Traits, Actions, Leadership, Attitude and Personality, etc. Microsoft Video Editor is included in Windows 10 and is a powerful editing tool. Combined all these to...

In Episode 39 the topic is the need for career union organizers. The labor movement is challenged with replacing experienced organizing professionals. The host laments the loss of trained organizers and shares his interest in recruiting persons making union organizing their long-term career. Finally, some ideas for embracing the subject are suggested.