A few weeks ago, I asked for help debating a Monster anti-union lawyer. Yesterday was the latest salvo in that battle, with some interesting new twists.
As I was saying in the original diary, I am member of a small-business networking group, and a rabid anti-union lawyer recently joined. I took that opportunity to politely debate him (with many thanks to all who commented on the original diary and helped shape the message!)
Last week, I gave my speech. I ended up toning it down a little from what I had originally posted in my diary. Today, he had a chance to give his speech. Also, each week all members have a chance to give a very short blurb.
At the same time, I also filed a complaint with the board of the group about him politicising the group (a tricky move since I'm also a board member). In the end, that was a half victory. He will be allowed to stay and give his message, but future members will be more scrutinized.
It also freed me to be more blunt in my own message in response to his speech today.
Here is some of what he was saying today.
First, he is traveling all over the US on unionbusting projects. Seems that right now, he flew in from White Sands, NM. More interesting is how he views his role: he thrives on antagonism, it energizes him, he WANTS to be hated. He enjoys being called union-buster and worse names. He views himself as the lightning rod for employee's anger to free up the employer to focus more on the actual union busting. The impression I took away was, if you want to unionize, don't bother directing your anger at the lawyer. Cut out the lawyer, refuse to even talk to the lawyer. Make sure you talk to the managers directly.
In light of that, I have to make sure I don't get emotional with him.
The second important thing I took away from this was that the group membership was surprisingly supportive. I think this is because many of the members are blue collar business people, and quite pro-union.
I used my own time for a quick response: "My business is about establishing a life-time relationship with my customers. Think of it like a trusted lawyer-client relationship. I don't jet around the country and disappear a few days later. And I'm looking for good reliable clients. That's why I decided to offer a 10% discount to unionized businesses." That got quite a few laughs, I think people got the message (and some later came up to me and patted me on the back, too).
Anyway, thanks all for your suggestions and help in the previous diary.