I have reviewed several union contracts on the east coast, and if you are unfortunate enough to work in a non right to work state, you know your union is relatively weak and is a money grab for the most part. BUUUTTTT did you know that you do not need union approval to strike when you have had enough??? you only need 3 agreeing union or non-union employees who have noticed "required" policy violations, under-staffing, health code violations, expired products on shelves you are told to ignore for profit, system manipulations, EEOC violations. incorrect coding of scan-outs per department head or higher instruction, lower wages for industry standard for an area (especially in perishable departments,) non competitive wages, union manipulation for kick-backs, or even e-schedule manipulation by a senior manager to preserve bonuses that low level employees never see! The best way to organize a grass-roots strike is first to notify your regional or district union Stewart of your intent. They will draft a memorandum of understanding to deliver to your store(s.) register the MOU with the county registrar stating intent, start date, complaint, terms, end terms and any regulatory concerns. It is best to coord 3 departments and 3 closest stores. rotate departments every 3 days to not lose time or position and to not allow e-schedule a chance to allow new employees. EX: first 3 days Meat dept, 2nd Dairy, 3rd Bakery, Fourth front end. All 3 or more stores should the same rotation. This will keep the emergency corp. plan from going into effect as well. good luck! Most of us are tired, sore, and just plain no compensated for the work we actually do. It may be about time!
VA - local 400 - also several other non-right to work state contracts..if it does not specify it is valid as well in those states. If you have a lock out then talk to your stewards about alternatives. [ie: notify regulatory agencies, file labor dept/employment commission cases or request a hearing with store manager and commission. ]
For example VA is a right to organize, but not right to work state. The company itself has a plan in place to deal with grass roots or orgainized strikes, but generally it will not go into effect in short term disputes. Best time to do this is near contract negotiation for your local area, especially if your union tends to just roll over.
In the USA . . . the only way to legally engage in any form of work stoppage is to participate in a union-sponsored event. Anything else is a violation of contract and grounds for immediate termination. -- http://defend-ed.org/wildcat-strike
To be clear, if you're sincere about bettering our workplaces, about trying to force this corporation to acknowledge the worth of human beings, I'm absolutely with you. Whatever's effective, ethical, and legal, great--let's do it. Flushing out the activists and getting them fired for illegal strikes would not be helpful, however . . . unless you've cast your lot with the goons and thugs of Krogrr management.
Interesting I'll have to do more homework. I will then have to resort to bringing in regulatory resolve, authorized recording devices (ie. I recently told my senior manager I record most conversations with a voice recorder and he said this was fine with him.) I am taking note of violations and anon reporting to media. If I am found out as the source, I may loose my employment, but I would rather do that than make people sick and violate ethics - PS Ethics Point does NOTHING. At least I am not having to live in Russia...
Also - If all else were to fail [THIS IS ILLEGAL] Have you ever noticed the network control server near the receiving dock awfully close to a water/chemical mixing station? Throw your shoes into it :)
Ok, more info - a the wildcat strike restriction mentioned only applies to state regulated/held positions. http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/strike - Unless restricted by your current collective bargaining agreement, it is lawful. After resolution the employer must reinstate you to comparable employment if the strike is legal and not restricted by contract. Prior notice to strike is usually required.