One discussion and 2 replies

Labor Contract Negotiations

Imagine you were selected to participate in your firm’s labor contract negotiations. What strategies would you use to help yourself be better prepared for sitting at the bargaining table? You may take either an organization or union perspective.

Submission Instructions:

• Your initial post should be at least 200 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.
• You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts. Your reply posts are worth 2 points (1 point per response.) 
• All replies must be constructive and use literature where possible.

pOST BY CLASSMATE 1

The organization I work for is currently participating in union contract negotiations. Our team of Labor Relations representatives and Sr. Human Resources Management has been instrumental in sitting at the bargaining table, communicating changes to each facility's local human resources leaders, and senior leadership. There are several steps I took to prepare for labor contract negotiations. 

Since the existing contract was implemented, I have been tracking potential changes, verbiage that is unclear, and updates that need to be proposed in the existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA).  As changes are presented, our Labor Management Team provides updates and questions based on the topics discussed during negotiations. In the past, I have attended the meetings on specific days delegates from our facility propose changes they would like to see implemented. Many of the subjects range from employee engagement activities such as Ice Cream Socials to staff schedules.  Another way I prepare for contract negotiations includes department leadership reviews.

On a quarterly basis, our department leaders provide a business review for each department. A portion of reportables includes employee concerns and issues presented by staff. As issues are identified, and if the issue is defined in the CBA, the leader is educated on how to address the concern based on guidance provided in the CBA. If the issue remains a concern or cannot be resolved, it is added to the list of the subject matter discussed during contract negotiations. Continuous communication is key when working in a unionized facility with a collective bargaining agreement in place.

Post by classmate 2

Imagine you were selected to participate in your firm’s labor contract negotiations. What strategies would you use to help yourself be better prepared for sitting at the bargaining table? You may take either an organization or union perspective.

As a Union Negotiator, I am tasked to represent the employee to the labor union and in some instances, the union employees to their employer, contingent on my assignment.  My role is critical as I am mandated to deliberate in contract negotiations, serve in the best interest of employees as well as develop and sustain a full understanding of labor laws to argue on behalf of those who I represent (Swain, n.d.). Through collective bargaining, I assist workers, through their unions, to negotiate the terms of their employment contracts which outlines their wages, benefits, hours, leave, safety policy, work life balance and more (AFL-CIO, n.d.).

In efforts to secure and prioritize the interest of the employees that I work on behalf of, some tactical strategies that I exercise are: not making the first major concession, not giving a quick counter offer but one that is thoroughly thought out, being parsimonious with my concessions, leaving room for negotiations; Not coming to an agreement too quickly, pleading to an higher authoritative figure, assessing all offers with the understanding that everything is not what they appear to be and moreover, planning ahead should this negotiation turn out to be unsuccessful (Karrass, 1996).  

Therefore, understanding what is required of me and what I am called to do by way of conducting thorough research, my tactical negotiations will include: being cordial, building a strong rapport and exploring all possible options collectively, refrain from exuding overconfidence as this may create unrealistic expectations, additionally, presenting a realistic offer that is passive aggressive in nature however, one that is not insulting to my opponent (Shonk, 2020).

There is no one size fit all as it relates to negotiations, but I vow to do my best in driving a hard bargain and making hard calls on behalf of the employees that I represent.

Reference

AFL-CIO. (n.d.). Collective Bargaining. Retrieved from https://aflcio.org/what-unions-do/empower-workers/collective-bargaining (Links to an external site.