CWA Local 6139 in Beaumont, Tex. has been focusing on internal organizing for the past five+ years. The local represents bargained-for employees of AT&T Core, AT&T Mobility, and Helena Laboratories.

At the two AT&T Mobility stores represented by the local, workers are 95% organized with only two non-members. Local President Marc LaRousse’s strategy at the Mobility stores includes pointing out to new employees key articles in their contract that make their work lives better than they would be in unorganized workplaces.

At Helena Labs, where 140 employees make and distribute medical supplies, the challenges are different. The turnover there is continual, so the local's best opportunity to sign up new members is at the new employee orientations occurring about once a month. Vice President Calvin Carter and District Steward Robert Millard talk with new employees for 15 minutes then ask them to join, and the vast majority say yes. This group has recently grown to 70% organized and now has six stewards.

LaRousse plays an important role, visiting both labs regularly, and talking with employees on their breaks. He says listening to them is the key to successful organizing.