> Well actually that mix is an interesting question. So you set up
> corporate-style call centers to maximize growth. But aren't the face-
> to-face relations of the old model better for building solidarity
> than talking to someone in a cubicle with three weeks of training?
The call centers are to "service" already existing members, not to organize new members. And I think I mispoke earlier, don't know for sure if the call centers mean resources will be freed up for new member organizing or it's just a way to provide more services to existing members keeping the current allocation of resources between new member organizing and "servicing." My assumption is the former but I have no real idea.
I agree, face to face interaction is better. This certainly doesn't replace the steward system (i.e. worker leaders in each unit), but is designed to augment and/or replace some "business agents" or "union reps" or "workplace organizers" -- union employees who organize existing members, handle grievances, etc. Given scarce resources, the union has to make choices, which we did at the convention.