Negotiating a first labor agreement is among the most complex challenges a company can face—especially in today’s environment of aggressive union organizing. This is uncharted territory for many organizations, and the stakes are high. Preparation, strategy, and execution are key to navigating this intricate process successfully.
To help businesses manage this challenge, we’re excited to announce the Managing During Status Quo Series: Bargaining for a First Contract. This video podcast series provides actionable guidance and expert insights to prepare your team for effective collective bargaining.
What You’ll Learn in the Series
Each episode dives into essential strategies for navigating a unionized environment and negotiating a first contract. Here’s a preview of the topics covered:
- Preparation: Equip your team and educate supervisors to thrive in a unionized environment.
- Research and Proposals: Learn how to conduct thorough research and draft proposals that set the foundation for successful bargaining.
- Strategy Development: Build winning strategies for the bargaining table, ensuring alignment between company goals and negotiation tactics.
- Communication: Master the art of effective internal communication with employees and externally with the union and other stakeholders.
- Strike Preparedness: Gain insights on managing potential strike scenarios to minimize disruption.
The series features insights from industry experts, including seasoned labor relations consultants and communication specialists who have guided organizations nationwide through the collective bargaining process.
Episode Spotlight: Navigating the First Two Weeks Post-Election
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, host Phil Wilson teams up with LRI Consulting Services Inc. consultant Dave Sapenoff to outline the critical first steps after a union election. Whether your team has won or lost the election, maintaining the status quo and preparing for negotiations are essential to effective management.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Understanding what the “status quo” means and why it’s critical.
✅ Immediate post-election steps to set the stage for successful negotiations.
✅ Balancing management authority with labor law compliance.
✅ Communication strategies to maintain transparency and manage expectations.
✅ Proactive conflict prevention and disruption management strategies.
✅ Strike preparation tips to ensure business continuity.
This episode is packed with actionable advice to help managers navigate the complexities of a unionized workplace confidently.
Episode Spotlight: Crafting a Winning Collective Bargaining Plan: Strategies for Success
In this installment, Phil Wilson and Gail Wolfe from LRI Consulting Services Inc. explore how to develop and implement a comprehensive project plan for collective bargaining. Whether you’re preparing for your first negotiation or refining your current approach, this episode offers practical strategies for effectively covering every aspect of the bargaining process.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Creating an effective timeline and task list for negotiations.
✅ Coordinating with legal and HR teams to ensure seamless execution.
✅ Monitoring progress and adapting plans to overcome challenges.
✅ Crafting a comprehensive bargaining strategy that aligns with organizational goals.
Why This Series Matters
Negotiating a first contract isn’t just about reaching an agreement; it’s about setting the tone for your organization’s relationship with the union and maintaining operational excellence. The Managing During Status Quo Series empowers managers with the tools they need to lead confidently through this critical period.
Stay tuned as we release episodes packed with expert insights and actionable advice to guide your team through every step of the bargaining process.
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