Negotiations Strategies & Communications Contract negotiations are one of the most important events to occur within an organization. They set the tone (normally three years) for the relationship with the unionized workforce and strongly influence the relationship with the non represented or “union free” workforce. For the vast majority of organizations, the negotiations planning and process is handled by a few top level executives and/or the labor relations staff which is frequently advised by outside counsel. This usually results in supervisors and managers being kept in the dark while most of the employees receive information via second hand unreliable sources or rumors from union reps and stewards.
Contract negotiations are one of the most important events to occur within an organization. They set the tone (normally three years) for the relationship with the unionized workforce and strongly influence the relationship with the non represented or “union free” workforce.
For the vast majority of organizations, the negotiations planning and process is handled by a few top level executives and/or the labor relations staff which is frequently advised by outside counsel. This usually results in supervisors and managers being kept in the dark while most of the employees receive information via second hand unreliable sources or rumors from union reps and stewards.
FACTS™ Training (Fair and Accurate Communication Through Supervisors) The Burke Group has developed a planning and communications process that effectively breaks that paradigm by providing the organization with the necessary training and tools. We have developed and copyrighted a process known as Fair and Accurate Communication Through Supervisors (FACTS™). This allows management to take back communications from the union and dispel rumors before they start, which results in avoiding: Unnecessary work stoppages Damaging false rumors Low attendance at contract ratifications meetings Misunderstanding of union free employees Unions controlling communication to employees This has been a an innovative training tool which all organizations should consider utilizing for the most effective approach to future negotiations.
(Fair and Accurate Communication Through Supervisors)
The Burke Group has developed a planning and communications process that effectively breaks that paradigm by providing the organization with the necessary training and tools. We have developed and copyrighted a process known as Fair and Accurate Communication Through Supervisors (FACTS™). This allows management to take back communications from the union and dispel rumors before they start, which results in avoiding:
This has been a an innovative training tool which all organizations should consider utilizing for the most effective approach to future negotiations.
Strike Plans While no one wants a strike, a critical part of any negotiations is for management to be confident that if a work stoppage occurs, they are prepared. A thorough and well thought out strike plan results in: Unions knowing you mean business Employees recognizing the seriousness of their actions Management teams having confidence of their position Avoiding embarrassing last minute “caving” because you can’t manage a strike A more realistic and pragmatic negotiations strategy TBG has experienced professionals who have provided organizations with thorough and complete strike plans that take organizations from the first day to the end of a strike. These plans cover everything including security, receiving supplies, replacement workers and subcontracting. The only way to ensure the best results at the bargaining table is to be prepared for EVERY possible outcome.
While no one wants a strike, a critical part of any negotiations is for management to be confident that if a work stoppage occurs, they are prepared.
A thorough and well thought out strike plan results in:
TBG has experienced professionals who have provided organizations with thorough and complete strike plans that take organizations from the first day to the end of a strike. These plans cover everything including security, receiving supplies, replacement workers and subcontracting. The only way to ensure the best results at the bargaining table is to be prepared for EVERY possible outcome.
Strike Authorization Votes One of the most critical events during labor negotiations is the union's contract approval and/or final strike authorization meeting. It is critical to ensure maximum attendance at these meetings by continuing to provide potential attendees with all of the up to date management/union positions. Through the use of your front line leaders, the union members should be provided with the rationale for management's positions and the importance of attending the union meeting to ensure their questions are answered and their voices are heard. It is at this point the benefits of FACTS™ training become critical to ensure that as many members attend as possible to prevent the meeting from being controlled by a few militant members. Our experience is that the negotiations will have a successful outcome when the facts are known and attendance is maximized..
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