Cris Serrano, Organizing Director for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 79, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed organizing strategies, both internal and external, to grow union membership in Florida, a So-Called “Right to Work” state.
Council 79 represents about 105,000 public employees across Florida.
External organizing focuses on recruiting non-union workers, while internal organizing seeks to empower and strengthen workers in union companies.
He explained how organizers tend to run a focused blitz, either internal or external, which could include phone banks or other types of campaigning. Success comes from focusing on the positive outcomes unions have achieved, he added.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about the Council’s approach to organizing.