After getting on unemployment for starting a union, spending my time padding my resume and applying to bullshit jobs that mean I could afford things like A House and Teeth, it finally seems to have paid off. I had an interview to be the manager of a fancy wine store location. I don't drink, and have never been general manager of an entire location. The entire went insanely well, I was asked when I could start/meet the owner.
I'm just wondering, do you have any advice for someone who may be put into a firing/hiring capacity soon? Any common pitfalls to avoid? It sounds like the location I'm inheriting control of is kinda doing Meh so I don't there will be too much pressure to perform at first. The interviewer seemed to really like me and basically tell me that most of her hard job (she manages another location) is easy and has been automated by her engineer BF and she can give me the files.
I was thinking about hiring staff, having schedules be consistent (I don't wanna do like, gig economy scheduling, easier for everyone,) suggesting weekly meetings and having staff vote on policies? and after I earn their trust during one of the meetings just going "By the way, if you all want to unionize I think that'd be rad. I couldn't be a part of it but LMK if you have any questions about the process."
But that also all seems really risky? Should I just put my fucking head down, do what I think is right, and ride wave, so to speak?
I'm, very intimidated, this 2.5x as much money as I've made in my life before.
There's a kind of weird dynamic in this situation where the employees will lose respect for you if you go to them and are like "fuck the boss amiright?" You are the boss and they expect a certain sort of relationship to exist there that you shouldn't entirely subvert because at best most people will think you're just weird, and at worst they'll tell your boss and you'll get canned. Instead, be transparent about what is happening in the business and make sure communication flows both ways. Group meetings/huddles are good but I would refrain from voting if the group is small enough to work through consensus.
On the subject of organizing, I would not encourage them to unionize unless you find a comrade among their ranks. Most people do not think much about unionizing and will think you're :lt-dbyf-dubois: if you tell them too. You can and should however, get them to practice organizing. Primarily by getting them to discuss conditions with each other and collectively confronting the boss (you) to voice their concerns. Getting them to turn each other out to group meetings is a great way to do this. Don't simply call a meeting, tell one or two people there will be a meeting and get them to tell everyone about it. Bonus points if you show up late to the meeting and give them all time to talk to each other.
Overall, respect their autonomy and humanity. Socialism comes from the bottom which means they've got to pursue it.