Warning Signs

Member involvement best defense against privatization

Often, the most common way that bargaining unit members can learn of potential contracting out is from co-workers who suspect that private contracts are in the process of being formulated in their workplaces.

Because of the widespread—yet hidden nature—of the contracting out process, individual members must act as the "eyes and ears" of the union to gather information and develop battle strategies at the workplaces where subcontracting is occurring.

There are two levels to identify a brewing "storm" of privatization mayhem.

Level 1 - WATCH: Be alert

• Budget problems
• Particularly hostile bargaining or labor-management relations
• Unfair criticism of public workers or public services
• Private sector plant closings or layoffs in a community
• Political campaigns keying on use of "public/private partnerships" or "restructuring"
• Growing influence of taxpayers associations
• Use of part-time, temporary or voluntary personnel

• Employee attrition plan in place—positions not being refilled
• Presence of vendor or company "study" of government operations
• Legislative initiatives that promote contracting out