In Reply to: Re: Hard Cop Soft Cop( With passion) - Palmisano's Future vision posted by Pearly Gates on 27 January 2004 at 01:26:25:
: Exactly what actions are you suggesting that will help secure IBM UK pensions over and above those already being taken?
Here's a potential plan and ideas!
1.Know what result is wanted. One time action or agreement to put things right and keep them right in future? Maybe those who signed up with AMIPP have many different ideas. very likely but who knows because they've never been asked.
1a. ELECT a group to coordinate action - whole AMIPP membership to be balloted. You can't act other than alone without election because you have no mandate. Call the group "Holding IBM to its Word". The name itself will convey that IBM breaks promises.
2.Distill the above into a well written document. Produce Headline demands from it.
3.In parallel compile a list of IBM's major customers particularly in the Public Sector, their Head Office Locations and Chief Execs. The list of MPs and Ministers is available on the Parliament website and those of the various Ministries (e-mail is useless becuase they are inundated. Use snail mail - that's simple - use Parliament). Compile a list of those in the Public eye who are respected by the Public and do not hesitate to speak out (opinion influencers). Compile a list of pension, workplace and business journalists in the UK and the US - name, phone, fax, e-mail for all). Compile a list of student union chairmen in the UK and NUS reps nationally. Compile a list
of Union heads nationally.
4.Using these components the Campaign commences:
Phase 1 - mailing to MPs announcing the creation of "Holding IBM to its Word", its mandate and planned activities and seeking letters of support. This letter should if at all possible refer to numbers of members and an estimate of IBM employees and their families in the constituency. At the same time the letter is issued as part of a Press release. Press here is vital.
Phase 2 - Uses the coverage in Phase 1 to get the word via a mailing to Union and Student bodies. More Press, joint statements. Calling upon IBM to clarify its position and unequivocally say that they will maintain benefits. They
either will or the quality of graduates they hire will drop.
Phase 3 - Now worry the customers. Is it safe to do business with IBM? Ask for support from business leaders and let them know you will print who supports, who doesn't and who hasn't replied. Recall that consumer businesses will fear a consumer boycott.
Phase 4 - Push the message home. Direct Action. Protest nationally outside IBM offices, wherever IBM speakers turn out, outside the DTI, DWP and the Houses of Parliament. Get the Press coverage.
I think you'll find this meets the scrutiny and opportunities Joe mentioned in his post.
Last but not least, shame those who still believe IBM should not be challenged. They are either fools or worse, covertly paid company agents. Leaders should allow others to vet them to ensure IBM controlled agents of influence are allowed to infiltrate the employee grassroots movement.
Godspeed and good IBM executive hunting!