During negotiations, topics often become heated, and emotions run high. Even though negotiations can be very tense, both sides eventually have to back to work under the new contract and move forward cooperatively. How do you build and nourish a good management-union relationship?
- Always be honest
- Put yourself in the union’s shoes
- Provide relevant information promptly
- Periodically “check in” with the Union representative to build rapport
- Listen respectfully and engage employees
- We’re all a team, do not have an “us versus them” mentality
- Make sure negotiations have gains for both sides