This is a guide to help you prepare and plan for a strike. This information is general in
nature and should be viewed as a reference and not an all inclusive plan. The Pantex Guards Union is responsible for this content and all items that are specific to the successful implementation of a Work Stoppage / Strike
Everyone should be utilizing the PGU website at www.pantexsecurity.org and the Stewards of
each Group to stay informed of the latest communications related to issues that affect the
membership. The President will update the Stewards or Chairperson of the Strike Preparedness Committee as to the status of Negotiations.
Please do not attempt to contact the Negotiating Committee unnecessarily.
If a strike is authorized by the membership, the President will be the one to initiate it.
Once a strike is called, the Strike Preparedness Committee will lead our effort.
Strike Preparedness
Committee and Chairman
The PGU Negotiating Committee has established a Strike Preparedness Committee comprised of the following Members: Ulysses Cotton, Jeremy Hall, Monte McAnear, Billy Talley and Chairperson, Cary Raulston. The Committee’s Chairperson will direct the committee’s actions. The committee will delegate responsibilities for each member. The President will update the Strike Preparedness Committee Chairperson during the negotiation process and the likelihood of a work stoppage. The following items will be addressed by the Strike Preparedness Committee.
Picket Permits
The Strike Preparedness Committee will contact the authority (County, City etc.) or the agency that has responsibility over the area we plan to picket. They will have permits ready to go or know
exactly what needs to be done and the timeline required for getting them so that you have
the permits on the first day of the strike.
Maps with Contact
Information for locations other than Pantex Plant
Maps will be made of the picket locations so that members will be able to easily find where
they are assigned to picket. These maps will have contact information on them in case
a picketer needs information they will be able to obtain it quickly. The maps will be
distributed via each Group Steward, Alternate, Union Web Site www.pantexsecurity.org , or
e-mail.
Picket Signs
The picket signs will be supplied by the Pantex Guards Union. The signs will be printed and
ready for distribution.
Communications to
Members – Phone Line – Website – E-mail
The PGU must have a means to communicate with striking members. Once every one is off the
property it will be difficult to stay in touch. It is vital that you communicate in advance
how you wish to be informed and information can be passed when needed. Information
lines and websites will become important tools that will be utilized and updated often.
E-mail is also a very effective way to keep informed. Depending on the circumstances, you may find yourself needing updates several times in a day.
Communications are going to be the key to keep everyone on the same page. The PGU will use
every means available to insure members are fully informed at all times. In any case, you must let your Stewards know in advance how to get in touch with you after leaving the Plant Site.
Picket Line Stewards
Each picket line location should have a designated person who is responsible for the
activities on the line. Stewards should have a cell phone and a list of all
contact numbers so they can arrange for any needs that may arise. The Stewards are
responsible for insuring that all aspects of the picket line are running smoothly and that
all issues that come up are resolved. The President will visit each Picket Line to address the members that are present. Should the Stewards have questions, please contact the Strike Preparedness Committee Chairperson.
Transportation to and
from the Picket Line
In most cases each member will be responsible for transportation to the picket locations.
Depending on the size of the picket line needs mar be met with a few members using their cars or vans. If we have a lot of picket locations and/or many picketers the PGU may need to rent a van or small bus for transportation.
Safety on the Picket
Line
Each Steward will need to assess the conditions on the picket lines. Weather conditions,
heavy traffic, construction, just to name a few, are things that must be taken into account
for each picket site, when conducting the strike. The picket locations should be surveyed in advance to become aware of potential hazards. The location of a first-aid kit should be identified and made readily available.
Conduct on the Picket
Line
A written list of do’s and don’ts on the picket line will be provided. We are
professionals and we should behave in that manner always. To insure this happens the Picket Line
Steward needs to brief each picketer prior to performing picket line duty. If someone has
been drinking prior to reporting for picket duty ask them to leave the area and only return
when sober and clearheaded. Also, some members may not be able to picket for various reasons we ask you to volunteer for other responsibilities i.e. such as preparing drinks and snacks etc. In addition anyone found creating dissention on the picket lines will be addressed and removed from the Pickett Line. We must stay UNITED and STRONG.
Comfort on the Picket Line
In most cases you are going to want to relieve your fellow members at comfortable intervals
(2 - 4 - 6 hrs). Depending on direct sunlight, bitter cold, or other harsh environments you
may need to relieve them more often. These factors should be considered when determining
how many picketers you will need to staff the lines. Volunteers should provide drinks such
as water and perhaps coffee in a cold climate to keep warm and hydrated. Snacks should also
be available to help. A port-a-potty will be available.
Leafleting
Each member should be prepared to hand out leaflets communicating our message. If you are
going to make up your own please allow the Strike Preparedness Committee to review them
prior to distribution to insure we have a common message. If you want the Strike
Preparedness Committee or the Negotiating Committee's help in producing leaflets you should
contact them allowing enough time to have them ready for the strike.
Personal Belongings
Each member should consider removing personal belongings from the Plant Site. It would be
advisable to remove all of your personal belongings prior to leaving the property to
strike.
Personal Training Records
You might consider obtaining copies of your training records in the event you need to
update your resume. These records would be very valuable in acquiring new employment.
Personal Financial
Considerations
It is important to contact your financial institutions during Contract Negotiations and arrange an alternate payment schedule in the event of a Strike.
Speaking to the News
Media (Press) on the Picket Line or anywhere else
Refer any questions from the News Media to the President by
stating he will have a statement as soon as practical. Only the PGU President should
speak to the News Media and act as spokesperson and ONLY the President will
give the Official position of the
Guidelines for those
tasked with speaking to the News Media
It is in our interest to speak to the News Media to get our side of the story across and to
counteract false or misleading statements by BWXT Pantex. Our objective is to communicate
to the public via the News Media. We can expect BWXT Pantex to speak with one voice. The PGU
will to do the same thing.
The PGU President will serve as spokesperson. His role is to:
1. Communicate the key messages of the PGU and any messages that are specific to our
situation.
2. Counteract false or misleading statements BWXT Pantex may make to the local News Media.
3. Coordinate the PGU's media efforts through the Negotiating Committee.
If a strike is called, the PGU President will supply the local and national media with
key messages. These will be consistent with what the PGU has been saying for some time to
the membership and the News Media.