How Unions Use Digital Technology to Attract Your Workers

Unions are popping up all over the place. Starbucks, Target, Chipotle, Amazon – you name a company, they’re facing union threats. Why? Wages are up, benefits are expanding, and the American worker has more legal protections than ever before. So what is it that draws employees to unions?

Effective digital media campaigns

Unions are adapting. As 2022 continues to see economic changes, more and more employees across various industries are being enticed to join unions. What does today’s union strategy look like? What kind of media is being used? 

Here’s a preview of what we’ve seen.

Mass texting. It’s simple, inexpensive or free, and effective. Prior to filing a petition, individual cell phone information is easily attained - but during a campaign, unions are given your employees' contact information. After they get it, they employ relentless, spam-like group texts, phone calls, and emails directly to your employees' phones. Even if what the union says or writes is entirely fabricated, it doesn’t matter – the onus shifts to the company to defend the narrative set by the union. 

Memes. You might find this concept trivial, but it’s quite effective. Unions use internet memes, or cartoons with text, to make political cartoon-like graphics portraying unions favorably and the company unfavorably. It might seem ridiculous, but that style of internet humor resonates - especially with younger employees.

Videos. Unions love to make testimonials, powerpoint slides or short video clips with unsourced factoids spreading false narratives and promise impossible benefits. Currently, there are no legal limits as to what a union can promise. The courts have ruled that employees are too smart to believe everything a union promises. And the thing is – their videos are effective. Without your own video campaign, countering their message, unions have an edge over you. 

At DWC, we take pride in our ability to utilize technology to take on modern union strategies. Our team has a perfect blend of younger, internet savvy consultants, and older, more experienced consultants who combine technology with practical knowledge to educate your employees on the platforms and in the ways that they’re used to receiving information. 

To learn more about how unions leverage technology to manipulate your workers, or, better yet, how you can fight back, contact us today by emailing us at info@dwclabor.com, or calling 813-501-2136.