Building Solidarity:

A 100-Day Social Media Schedule for Labor Unions

As a labor union approaches the critical juncture of contract negotiations—just 100 days away from contract expiration—an effective social media strategy becomes paramount. A well-structured posting schedule can mobilize members, engage supporters, and put pressure on the employer. In this article, we outline a day-by-day plan for social media activity, particularly focusing on Facebook and Instagram, while also considering other platforms to amplify the union’s voice.

Why Social Media is Important

Nonprofits and labor unions must harness the power of social media in order to effectively advocate for their causes and support their members. With the rise of digital technology, social media platforms have become crucial tools for reaching a wider audience, creating awareness, and mobilizing supporters. In today’s fast-paced world, organizations that fail to establish a strong online presence risk being left behind in the fight for social justice and workers’ rights. By utilizing social media channels strategically, nonprofits and labor unions can amplify their voices, engage with key stakeholders, and inspire action on important issues. The stakes are high, and failure to effectively utilize social media could mean missing out on valuable opportunities to advance the mission and goals of these vital organizations. It is imperative that nonprofits and labor unions embrace the digital age with confidence and determination in order to maximize their impact and bring about meaningful change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 1-4: Building Awareness and Engagement

Days 1-7: Introduction and Information

  • Facebook & Instagram:

    • Day 1: Post a countdown graphic indicating 100 days until contract expiration.

    • Day 2: Share a brief history of the union and previous contract negotiations.

    • Day 3: Introduce the bargaining committee members with photos and bios.

    • Day 4: Post an infographic on union membership benefits.

    • Day 5: Create a poll asking members what issues matter most to them.

    • Day 6: Share testimonials from members about their experiences with the union.

    • Day 7: Highlight a success story of a past negotiation.

  • Other Platforms:

    • Twitter: Daily tweets summarizing Facebook and Instagram posts, emphasizing the countdown and member engagement.

    • LinkedIn: Professional updates about the negotiation process and its implications for the workforce.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Days 8-14: Education and Mobilization

  • Facebook & Instagram:

    • Day 8: Post a video explaining the bargaining process.

    • Day 9: Share an article about workers’ rights relevant to current negotiations.

    • Day 10: Create a “Did You Know?” series about labor laws.

    • Day 11: Conduct a live Q&A session with union leaders.

    • Day 12: Share a photo gallery of recent union events.

    • Day 13: Post reminders for members to attend upcoming meetings.

    • Day 14: Highlight the importance of solidarity, possibly featuring a call to action to wear union colors on specific days.

  • Other Platforms:

    • YouTube: Share educational videos about labor rights and negotiations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weeks 5-8: Increasing Pressure and Visibility

Days 15-35: Uniting Voices

  • Facebook & Instagram:

    • Day 15: Start a “Member Spotlight” series featuring personal stories from members.

    • Day 20: Share statistics about the impact of unions on workers’ lives.

    • Day 25: Post a countdown graphic with a focus on critical issues.

    • Day 30: Use stories to gather feedback on bargaining priorities.

    • Day 35: Highlight endorsements from community leaders and allies.

  • Other Platforms:

    • TikTok: Create short videos of members discussing why unions matter to them.

    • Twitter: Use trending hashtags related to labor rights to engage in broader conversations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weeks 9-12: Countdown to Negotiations

Days 50-70: Amplifying the Message

  • Facebook & Instagram:

    • Day 50: Announce a rally or event to gather support.

    • Day 55: Share tips on how members can advocate for their rights during negotiations.

    • Day 60: Post reminders about upcoming meetings and participation details.

    • Day 65: Highlight solidarity from other unions or organizations.

    • Day 70: Share a progress update on negotiations thus far.

  • Other Platforms:

    • LinkedIn: Publish articles discussing labor trends and the importance of negotiations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Days 71-84: Final Push

  • Facebook & Instagram:

    • Day 71: Post video clips of members preparing for the final negotiations.

    • Day 75: Share an interactive quiz to engage members on contract details.

    • Day 80: Highlight the risks of not having a contract and the importance of negotiation.

    • Day 84: Create a powerful visual message: “We Stand United” with members’ photos.

  • Other Platforms:

    • YouTube: Host a webinar on what the negotiations mean for the future of the union.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weeks 13-14: Contract Negotiation Days

Days 85-100: Action and Reaction

  • Facebook & Instagram:

    • Day 85: Countdown to negotiations: 15 days left; share final priorities.

    • Day 90: Live coverage from the bargaining table (if possible).

    • Day 95: Post real-time updates and calls for solidarity.

    • Day 98: Highlight actions members can take to support negotiations.

    • Day 100: Celebrate successes or regroup with an update, emphasizing the path forward.

  • Other Platforms:

    • TikTok: Use engaging content to summarize the negotiation process and encourage unity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion: Solidarity Through Social Media

A successful social media campaign is not only about quantity but also quality and engagement. By creating a structured plan leading up to contract negotiations, labor unions can foster solidarity among members, inform the public, and put pressure on employers. The use of diverse platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn—ensures that the union’s message reaches a broad audience, maximizing impact as the critical deadline approaches. The power of social media lies in its ability to connect, inform, and mobilize; leveraging it effectively can make all the difference in the outcome of labor negotiations.