Below is a brief description of each strategy type and some examples of corresponding tactics.
Worker / union strategy
In a worker or union strategy, workers demonstrate their support, (sometimes not publicly depending on levels of repression) and take action in the workplace or to affect production or services. Workers and unions in other locations and industries might also demonstrate their support. If you are organising non-union workers, you will probably need to focus completely on increasing worker participation and involvement until you have built up enough power to publicly confront the employer.
Examples of tactics: Workers might wear stickers, send postcards, talk to other workers, fill out anonymous surveys, collect and publicise stories about working conditions, work-to-rule, march on the boss, take industrial action, demand union recognition, or take collective action. Workers’ actions can be coordinated regionally and globally.
Customer / service user strategy
In a customer, product or service user strategy, the union and allies will appeal to the customers, clients or passengers of a target.
Examples of tactics: Outreach to customers, leafleting retail outlets, warning passengers about potential delays or product and service deficiencies.
Media strategy
A media strategy used the media to expose the target’s vulnerabilities. Companies sometimes spend more money on advertising than production.
Examples of tactics: Using social and/or news media against the target.
Public / civil society strategy
In a public or civil society strategy, key community and opinion leaders support the campaign and put pressure on the target.
Examples of tactics: Neighbourhood and community organising, religious, women’s, civil rights, parent, migrant, environmental, senior, consumer / passenger or human rights groups taking action.
Other companies in the same market / industry strategy
In this strategy, competitors and companies in the same industry or market places pressure the target. This includes subcontracted companies competing in the market.
Examples of tactics: Research paper exposing the target’s vulnerabilities within the industry, comparison with competitors on price, quality or service, actions at industry events, support for rival companies.
Parent/subsidiary strategy
This strategy used a company’s parent or subsidiaries to exert pressure on a target.
Examples of tactics: Actions at corporate headquarters, global campaigns against multinational companies.
Owner/shareholder strategy
Owners or shareholders put pressure on the target.
Examples of tactics: Actions and resolutions at shareholder meetings. Exposing the problems of the workers to owners and the financial media.
Management / executive / director strategy
Executives, middle management or directors are held accountable for the problems of the workers.
Examples of tactics: Charges against individual directors, managers and executives. Pressure on corporate directors of other companies where they hold positions.
Financial institution strategy
In the financial institution strategy, the vulnerabilities of the target are exposed to investors and lenders.
Examples of tactics: Communication to lenders and financial analysts and investors, leafleting customers of financial institutions.
Government/regulatory strategy
In this strategy, we assist government agencies that enforce laws and regulations.
Examples of tactics: Collective filing and/or publicising of official complaints. Lobbying for or against regulations and laws to improve working conditions.
Political strategy
With a political strategy, the political and electoral process is used to put pressure on the target.
Examples of tactics: Introducing legislation, mass lobbying, voter turnout, and ballot initiatives.
Supplier / vendor / donor / subcontractor strategy
In this strategy, important suppliers and vendors, donors or subcontractors are held accountable for the behaviour of the target.
Examples of tactics: Picketing deliveries, leafleting the customers of key vendors, suppliers or donors. Actions at fundraising events. Exposure of the costs of subcontracting to the public and service-users.