Monday, December 10, 2012

How much do Your Employees know about Unions?


How much do Your Employees know about Unions?
Thirty or forty years ago, that would have been an easy question to answer. Union membership was high, and even if people weren't personally union members, they probably knew friends or relatives that were.
Since then, though, union membership has declined by two/thirds or more, most prominently in the private sector. Firsthand union knowledge has not been passed down. Many in today’s workforce don’t really have any idea of what it means to pay dues, abide by union rules, have someone negotiate a contract for them, or what happens during a strike.
Education is vitally important.
As you are no doubt aware, labor laws are likely to change. And they’re only helping unions. Things like Shortened election cycles, Micro units and Persuader rule making are simply the tip of the iceberg. Unions were huge participants in the November election. They have a friendly Administration, and it knows there’s a big debt owed. Organizing is going to become easier and easier. And your company just might be a target.
Now is the time to talk with your employees.
So what can you do to prepare? Well, lots. But the bare minimum is this: Communicate with your employees. Educate them. You don’t have to be the big, bad union basher. Start slowly. Here’s what we mean:
Sign on the Dotted Line. A simple but effective card-signing video.
In a routine meeting, start the process of educating your employees by showing them what might happen. First Cut Communications can create a custom card-signing video just for your company. Or, our sister company, AGTS, offers a proven entry into the fray called “Signing Your Rights Away.” This new video has already stopped numerous campaigns in their tracks and bought valuable time for management to work on the issues. It is also being used in orientations of new employees in several major corporations. They want their employees to know and understand the company’s position on unions.
An Ounce of Prevention . . .
Yes, it’s a cliché. But it’s never been more appropriate than right now. The unions have been quiet for way too long. They need dues money to survive and they really don’t care where they get it. Don’t let a union tell your employees its side of the story first. Campaigns cost big money. Our videos don’t. Start now. Don’t wait to communicate.
Here’s where to find a preview. Every one of your employees should see this message. Call us. Or write us. At the very least, we should be communicating.

Monday, October 1, 2012

First Cut Communications Introduces A New Website

September Newsletter

Successfully communicating company messages
through video for more than 40 years
 

 NEW WEBSITE!

First Cut Communications is excited to share our NEW WEBSITE with you! For the first time in our 43-year history, we have a comprehensive list of our services all in one place. Please take a look and give us your feedback.

NEW TITLES!

In addition to creating our website, it’s been a very busy year for us. Of course, we’ve had our regular campaign battles, new employee orientations and we’ve produced 8 new generic videos for our sister company AGTS. The instant best seller is called Signing Your Rights Away, our generic card signing video. (It’s now available in union-specific versions.) Other new titles include Contract Negotiations and Conversation Starters, six short videos designed to get people talking in group meetings during a campaign.

The Vital Role of Human Resources.

Brutal honesty mixed with a little cheerleading … and knowing when to provide both. That’s the fine line Human Resource professionals tread every day. It’s a given that you always have to be honest with employees about how they’re doing their daily job duties. Your constructive feedback to them and their equally honest responses to you will help employees grow. Just as importantly, frank and honest discussions will help prevent issues from arising if you ever have to discharge them. Every employee needs to have a clear understanding as to what they’re doing right and what needs improvement.

Make your employees engaged employees.

You don’t want someone who shows up just to collect a pay check. They’ll simply do the basics, and are the most susceptible to outside influence. An engaged employee will help you fix issues that will save the company money. They’ll give you ideas on what needs to be addressed on the frontline to improve quality and output, as well as provide information on other things of interest (like, is a third party nosing around).

We’ll explore that issue and more in the months to come. Your suggestions for newsletter topics are always welcome and encouraged. 

Contact AGTS
800-814-9792
customerservice@agts-web.com 

Contact First Cut Communications
706-882-5581
info@firstcutcommunications.com 
 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Have you seen our new website?

If not please take a look and give us your feedback. As you know, we’re always eager to hear feedback and make improvements where needed. So please let us know.  Click here to see it.

Have you had an opportunity to see the new video from AGTS (our sister company)?

We produced 8 new generic videos for our sister company AGTS. The instant best seller is called Signing Your Rights Away (it is now available in union specific version), Contract Negotiations and Conversation Starters, six short videos designed to get people talking in group meetings during a campaign. 

Plus we just started working on several new interactive courses. If you have a request for an interactive course or a new DVD title please email me.  We are always looking to produce new videos!

We look forward to being of service!

Sincerely,

Matt French

First Cut Communications, LLC.
 
 
 

Monday, March 5, 2012

The Bell Curve


During his long and successful career of keeping unions out of the workplace, a labor attorney continually reminded his clients and associates that emotions follow a bell curve. If employees’ ill feelings toward management build up slowly, they can only be brought down slowly. However, if there is a sudden burst of anger among employees over an issue, the emotional climate can be improved quickly – assuming the right actions are taken by management.

I’m certain the new shortened time period between the filing of a unionization petition and an election would greatly disturb the venerable attorney and focus much of his attention on prevention of problems. The old adage an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure still holds true.

It all boils down to communication, something too many of us push aside to make room for issues we deem as “more important right now.” As we begin a new year, I hope you will make communication between you and your employees a high priority, and reach out for their input on what issues are of greatest concern to them. That’s always a great starting point and prevents you from winding up behind the bell curve.

Take a look at our ounce of prevention list and let us know which flavor you like.

If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to contactus!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012


NEW Campaign Videos for 2012!
Sometimes, it’s best to get right to the point. Issues like union life, communications, decertification and competitiveness are often elements of a union campaign that need clarification. First Cut Communications' sister company AGTS is proud to announce some effective, informative and entertaining short (2-3 minute) videos on those topics . . . some of the most important and least understood subjects. Presented in a format suitable for break rooms, on websites, in meetings, as stand-alones and/or as part of a larger media blitz, these hard-hitting videos grab attention and focus on aspects of union activity that all employees (and even managers) need to know . . . before a vote takes place. Click on the one that you would like to see a preview of: Union Life, Communications, Decertification, and Competitiveness

AGTS provides videos on DVD, with streamed, online delivery available for most video courses, as well as eLearning or Computer Based Training (CBT) courses. We cover topics such as Management Training, Labor Relations, Diversity, Harassment, Workplace Violence, ADA, First Time Supervisor Training, and Union Avoidance.

Contact AGTS
800-814-9792
customerservice@agts-web.com
706-882-5581