How to Keep Your Workplace Union-Free
Can you engage in efforts to resist unionization? Yes, so long as they are lawful. Here are some tips for responding quickly when unionization is underway, or as insurance in case organization begins.
Photo by George Milton
Whether unionization has been initiated or now, put together a rapid response team made up of a cross-section of supervisors and managers, and non-employee HR Consultants.
The responsibility of the team is to communicate facts to employees, with the aim that an insufficient number sign authorization cards to force an election sponsored by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Once employees understand the reality of having a union, including the potential risks, they will be less likely to sign the authorization to force an election card.
The response team should have communications drafted and ready to go.
Employers should convey their hope that employees will exercise their right to refrain from signing a union card until they have all the facts. Other strategies to discourage union acceptance include communicating the following:
Potential emptiness of union promises
The reality of collective bargaining and the willingness of management to work with employees to solve issues without a union
The costs of union dues
The absence of a voice in the union in states where employees cannot be mandated to pay dues
The impact of a union on business operations
The change in the relationship employees will have with supervisors if an election succeeds
An explanation of the union-organizing process
Never, ever threaten, coerce, interrogate or spy on employees - they have the right to meet with union representatives without management’s interference. Likewise, do not make any promises to employees - pay raises, bonuses, etc., in exchange for them not supporting unionization.
No matter how well you treat your employees, union activity can happen. Being unprepared is a union’s best friend. Developing a response team so that supervisors and managers know how to proceed is important. It also gives you time to create your communication strategy and get it approved by an attorney who is qualified in this area.