7. Organizing Letter w/Article

June 5, 2013

Dear West Coast ISS Bridge Tender,

ISS pays $10.25/hr for your job in South Florida (see over) and that’s unfair to you. We tried to establish a dialog with ISS in April but they now remain silent. So, we must take responsibility and organize. The National Labor Relations Act stipulates in Section (7)a: "Employees shall have the right to self-organization . . . for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid of protection." The enclosed petition is our first step.

Some of you may not want to “make waves” or hurt your relationship with Management.  Settling disputes informally and respectfully is always best and a positive relationship with Management is our goal. But Management failed to respond to demands for fair treatment and we have reached a point where – regrettably – we need to organize to be heard.

Please help us by asking all ISS employees on your bridge to sign the attached petition (one sheet per bridge please). As one of many petitioners, you should not be singled out and you are protected by law: "It shall be an unfair labor practice for an employer to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in Section (7)."

Everyone is invited to keep track of progress and voice your opinions. Email us at ExploitingTenders@Gmail.com so we can add you to the confidential distribution list and keep you informed. Those without email can rely on those with it to relay communication.

Don’t keep it a secret share it with your supervisor and all management that visits your bridge. Calmly explain that ISS must stop their exploitation, that you demand fair and equal treatment. Tell them to do the right thing – stop taking more than a fair share of our pay and pay us all equally.

When we have all the signed petitions we’ll ask for a meeting to present your demands.  ISS has a history of delaying tactics but be assured that we’ll hold the course and increase pressure step-by-step. Thank you for your support during the process.

The Organizing Committee

ExploitingTenders@Gmail.com

Please copy and share this between bridges. When the petition is fully signed and ready to be picked up – email us the bridge name and phone number to arrange pickup. If you’re willing to help… Please Volunteer.

“Union vote by bridge tenders lifts hopes of organized labor”

There's a link to this article in the Introduction

(Note: Part Time Bridge Tenders working for Florida Drawbridge in Miami report 1week paid vacation after 1 year building to 2 weeks annually and a 3% automatic raise every year.)