The First Shot ...

 

 

By-Jack Profijt Today we got our first taste of  what the employer has in store  for our local. It is their wish to cause  aggravation, to cause stress and discomfort.  It is a clear sign of contempt and loathing for our local and the people in it.

Lets take a good look at this little stunt that was pulled today and see if we can get an idea of there game plan. It is common knowledge that there will be an interesting meeting at a provincial court house in the not to distant future, where many of them will have allot of questions to answer. Also there is another very large union breathing down there neck again, the prospect of the rest of the place being unionized cannot be a pleasant one for the powers that be. They have one department that is heading towards negotiations and hopefully, a solid new collective agreement. So right their we have  a few fairly significant things that are taking up much of the Employers time.  That is not to say that they are unprepared to fight conflict on multiple fronts, they are one of the biggest employers in the province, they have the resources. However historically speaking, a multi front conflict has proven to be disastrous for those that wish to wage such a conflict.  

What is the purpose of there attack? well, lets take a look. The reason's that an opposing force would launch a first strike on an opponent are many. First and foremost it is to  asses the defences of the defending party, it is to gather information and intelligence, they want to test or reaction.  Second it is to cause panic and uncertainty. It is a diversion meant to hide the true objective of there planned attack. Third, it is intended to force the defending party to react in a manner that they had not anticipated and  at a time and place that they didn't choose. 

At first glance it would appear that the employer  has the upper hand, but in reality, and again, historically speaking, that is not always the case.  Usually the first strike on an unsuspecting opponent is made, because the opponent is seen as a real threat. Usually it is the weaker force that attacks the stronger, hopping that they can do enough damage to take them out of the fight early.  Fortunately this line off attack, tends to galvanize the defenders and makes victory for the attacker that much more difficult, or impossible to archive.

On the up side, there method of attack is now clear. Now, we have the ability to plan a defence, and return the favour in kind.