Let's Talk OpSec

Lets talk OPSEC.  Shhhh, its a secret!

Is it really a secret?  Well, yes and no.  I think we can all agree that it's best if we can ‘blind side’ management as much as possible with this union drive.  Do they know we’re pissed, do they know there is union grumblings?  Of course!  But I think it's best to keep them in the dark about any organization progress.  That makes it harder for them to interfere, intimidate, lie and manipulate, just like they did last year.  

So what does OPSEC (operation security) look like here?  The first rule about fight club is…. Yeah, unfortunately we HAVE to talk about it, that’s how we build support and networks.  We all feel the hurt and anger, but we have to organize to do something about it, and that means talking. But be careful who you talk to, don’t talk to supervisors, or people that just got transitioned to supervisors.  As much as that pains me because some of them are our friends, they need to stay in the dark on this.  We need to quietly gauge the mood of our co-workers and point them towards the groups and networks that are forming in the shadows.  

Speaking of these shadow networks-  we need to link them up!  I’m sure for a lot of you that are passionate about this feel like you’re alone, or surrounded by listless or scared coworkers.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE, we need to merge our efforts, divide the responsibilities, and engage our coworkers.  But we must do this quietly.   Yes, I realize the irony that this is posted on a public website… lets talk about that.

Why am I talking about this here, in the open where anyone, bosses included can see it? Because people have to have a way to ‘take that first step’ anonymously.  You can read here, and post here anonymously, you can reach out and contact me anonymously.  I can put you in contact with a local group of your coworkers who want your help and want to help you. This sub is the platform for that.  But how do we keep the bosses in the dark about this subreddit?

Well, that’s where our wording, and our word of mouth comes in.  Spread news of this sub to your TRUSTED coworkers, text them the link.   Don’t talk about it to those that you know are anti-union or kissing ass for a promotion.  

Be careful with the words you post here-  Don’t use the name of our work location.  We know where we are,  we’re on the NS, west of the big oilfield, we have a paved runway.  DON’T say the name of this place or the name of our employer because that shows up really really well in any quick internet search and I promise they are watching.  Don’t list the bosses full names.  Don’t list your full name, keep it vague… we know what you mean!

Share the link for this sub with your coworkers and for god sakes don’t be a dumbass and access it from a company computer.

In short—-- talk but talk quietly.  Keep things vague online.  Share contact info but share it very very selectively.  We don’t need anyone’s names on ANYTHING until we have the critical mass needed for authorization cards (which then stay hidden from the employer, see my post on that here)