Promoting a contract ACRE style.

When a proposed contract is offered to a union's membership, it is natural for each member to review the proposal and determine how the contract will affect them personally. In theory, the benefits of any contract should favor the collective membership, instead of a few individuals, or a select group of members. If provisions of a proposed agreement benefit a few verses the needs of the majority, the contract should be rejected and an alternative contract offer pursued that provides balance for the entire membership. When a proposed contract is promoted by ACRE, this theory does not apply.

ACRE promoted their inferior contract by appealing to members on an individual basis. By highlighting certain aspects considered appealing to a segment or group of members and downplaying the consequences to others, ACRE officers' steamrolled their contract to ratification. How many times did someone hear an ACRE officer state “What do you care, it doesn't affect you.”

Or a better example, when asked about the co-payment of health and welfare for the new hires, ACRE's response was that they couldn't negotiate for someone who is not here yet. How does this mentality benefit a union's membership in the long run?