Strategies
Most organizations believe they are better off operationally and from an employee morale standpoint if they remain union-free. In addition to the prospect of a work stoppage, unionization brings with it the cost and uncertainty of collective bargaining, as well as the potential interference or limitation of direct communication with employees. If there are issues that are causing employee morale to suffer, most organizations would agree that they can be more successful if they can identify and resolve those issues directly, rather than having their employees go to an outside third party. A well conceived union avoidance strategy can benefit you and your employees.
Union organizing campaigns
Many organizations facing a union organizing campaign find it to be one of the most disruptive and disillusioning experiences they encounter. Developing an appropriate response to this situation must entail a careful analysis of the operational situation, the emotions of those involved (both employees and managers) and the impact such activity could have on other parties, such as customers.
In your corner: The role of consultants
The Weissman Group consultants work with managers and supervisors to help organizations achieve a positive outcome. Through this process, we not only help guide supervisors and managers to accurately educate employees about the potential implications of union representation, but help them identify and understand the issues which brought about the unionization effort. This process not only enhances the organization’s likelihood of success in the unionization attempt, but decreases the likelihood of future attempts by heightening managers’ sensitivity to issues that negatively impact employee morale.
The National Labor Relations Act guarantees employees the right to choose whether they want to have a union represent them. However, the law also guarantees employees the right to not be represented. An employer has an obligation – moral, if not legal – to make sure employees make an informed decision about unionization by making sure they have the necessary facts.
Ultimately, the decision is their decision to make.