Conflict Management in Unionized Environments

Suzette Henry-Campbell, Conflict Analysis & Resolution/2014 1

CONFLICT MANAGEM

ENT IN UNIONIZED ENVIRONM

ENTS Prepared by: Suzette Henry Campbell


Features of a Unionized Environment

Unionized environments experience the same kinds of tension.

Organized and ritualized forms of negotiations referred to as collective bargaining.


Collective Bargaining?


Labour Management Conflict in the U.S.

Early 20th century – Agriculture to Industrial change.

Population moved from rural to urban.

Great Depression – large numbers of skilled and unskilled labour.


Labour Management in the U.S

Up to 1938, there was no federal minimum wage law or laws governing child labour.

Factories moved to Southern States held high unemployment which encouraged less political resistance to low wages and child labour.


Significant Moves Union movement began in the 1830’s

but grew considerably during the Great Depression (1930’s)

National Labour Relations Act (1935) was passed by Congress.


Significant Moves In 1947, responding to labour unrests

and strikes, Congress moved the mediation function from the Department of Labour to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation service.


Trends in Unionization Unions are struggling to attract

members because of the challenging economic times.

Workers are hesitant to agitate for better wages and working conditions.

Unions may become attractive in the future if history is to be a guide.


Trends … Employers may adopt an approach that

discourages the effort of unions due to political and legal cultures towards trade unions.

Telecommuting and other means of satisfying work obligations has impacted unionization efforts.


Trends…. White collar professionals (e.g. nurses,

pilots)

The birth of hybrid professional associations. [provides greater influence on workplace policies and governance without actually negotiating collective agreements.


Changing ParadigmsAirline Industryo Companies pursuit of people first

initiatives. (Southwest Airlines)

o Adopting less underhand techniques during the process.

o Proactively addressing the needs of their internal clients.


Grievance Procedures A union grievance is any alleged

violation of the “contract, past practice, employer rules, previous grievance or arbitration settlements”.


The Grievance Process Defined as the steps that promote an

organized way of addressing violations of the collective agreement etc.


Conflict Management Grievance Process Open Door Policies Mediation Programs Hotlines Workplace training programs Litigation


Collaborative Efforts Teamwork and collaborative efforts

lead to long term organizational health and improved morale among constituents.

Reframing the relationship using innovative phrases like principled negotiations, employee centered management.


Collaborative efforts Share useful data Communicate Demonstrate a willingness to view the

other as a partner.


Collaborative Leader in a Non-Collaborative Environment

Get to know the players. Be transparent Engage other actors to create

benchmarks or goals. Clarify your span of control. Communicate ‘trust’.


ADR Mechanisms Rights Arbitration – union grievances

Interest Arbitration – terms of the collective agreement.


Recap Relationships are being assessed. Changing adversarial stance brings

risks to both. Unions fear they will be viewed

irrelevant. Management fears hidden agenda. There is need to reframe the context.


ReferenceRaines, S. (2013). Conflict Management for Managers. Resolving Workplace, Client and Policy Disputes. Jossey-Bass

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Conflict Management in Unionized Environments