Tim Holahan, CEO and project manager of Broadstripes, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how digital tools are modernizing labor organizing, their cloud-based system's impact on union campaigns and the importance of adapting to technological advancements in organizing efforts.
According to Holahan, Broadstripes is a platform that replaces traditional paper-based organizing methods with a streamlined, secure database accessible from anywhere. He explained how the platform helps organizers create a comprehensive picture of potential bargaining units, while tracking influential members, leaders and supporters. Holahan discussed how the platform helps to facilitate communication through texting, emailing and phone banking, even allowing for workers to sign their authorization cards digitally. Holahan talked about how digital card signing helps to track the total number of authorization cards and how many are needed from the bargaining unit to petition the NLRB for a union election.
Holahan then highlighted some of Broadstripes' collaborations with high-profile union campaigns, including Starbucks Workers United. He explained how Broadstripes’ tools have helped organizers visualize nationwide organizing efforts through heat maps, identifying areas of activity and needed focus. Holahan added that Broadstripes also implemented fun and creative solutions to keep organizers engaged, such as sending weekly emails with to-do lists or rewarding completed tasks with puppy pictures.
Finally, Holahan discussed Broadstripes' commitment to supporting users of all ages. The company offers hands-on training, ongoing support and user-friendly interfaces to ensure organizers can effectively utilize the platform. Holahan stressed the importance of unions embracing digital tools to stay competitive and relevant, especially as younger, tech-savvy workers enter the workforce with a strong pro-union sentiment.
Listen to the full episode for more insights on how digital tools like Broadstripes are helping reshape labor organizing.