Preparing for union contract negotiations requires gathering information, reviewing all previous negotiations and the current contract, analyzing other contracts and grievances, and examining the current economic climate.
A Boston law and employment law firm can help you get ready for these negotiations and support you as you work out a new or updated union contract. You do not have to handle this challenging time alone.
Prepare for Contract Negotiations by Gathering Information
Information collection represents a vital part of union contract negotiation preparation. You need to collect:
Financial Information
The professionals suggest getting as much financial data about your employer as possible. Generally, employees can easily find financial information on publicly traded companies. You may need professional assistance if you do not work for a publicly traded company.
Benefit and Wage Information
You need information related to your bargaining unit to prepare for union contract negotiations correctly. Important information can include data about:
- Hours of work
- Seniority lists
- Departments and classifications
- Vacation time, paid time off, sick time, and holiday pay
- Overtime requirements
- Current healthcare plans and pension benefit plans
You can request much of this information from your employer. Make sure that you submit the request using a written information request.
You must request this information early in the preparation process because it may take a significant amount of time for your employer to provide this data. Once you receive the information, you need time to analyze all the details properly.
You can learn more about the information you need and how to prepare for union contract negotiations with professionals.
Information About Other Contracts
You can strengthen your position before contract negotiations by analyzing other contracts. For example, you may look at contracts used by similar employers to get a better understanding of what you can expect from your new contract.
Information About the Economic Climate
You need to research the general economy as you prepare to enter union contract negotiations. To support all of your demands, you may want to collect information about wage statistics and job classifications in your area.
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Go Over Past Negotiations as You Prepare
You can gain valuable insights by reviewing all the notes from past bargaining sessions with your employer. Keep track of what your employer requested in your last union negotiations and pay attention to these critical issues so you’re prepared to respond to them if they come up again.
Reviewing past negotiations may also remind you of verbal commitments your employer made and then failed to uphold or add to the contract. You may have a chance to push your employer to uphold these promises in the next round of negotiations.
Review Your Current Contract
As you prepare for future negotiations, carefully review your existing contract. Look for any articles or language you want to change, and note any typographical errors or conflicting language.
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Get Feedback and Review Your Grievances
You should collect feedback from union members about the things they want in their next contract. You may gather information by:
- Setting up one or more contract proposal meetings
- Talking to other union members at the worksite
- Sending out member surveys
After collecting information, you can go over all grievances and problem areas that you want to address with a new contract. This step represents an integral part of how you prepare for union contract negotiations.
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Send Out Bargaining Notices
Finally, you can prepare for your next contract negotiations by sending out appropriate notices to all involved parties. You generally have to send out a written notice at least 60 days before the expiration date of your current contract.
However, these laws can vary from state to state. Therefore, you need to review the laws in your local area to ensure that you send out notices at the appropriate time.
If you do not send the notice in time, it may freeze your current contract into place. Labor unions may need legal representation to track all deadlines and handle local laws.
When Should You Start Preparing for Union Contract Negotiations?
The experts recommend that you start your preparations for contract negotiations the very day that you ratify your new contract. Starting preparations right away can prevent future frustration and help you avoid negotiation delays.
In fact, professionals who focus on collective bargaining suggest that you start serious preparations around a year and a half before the expiration date of your current contract.
You can learn more about how the collective bargaining process works and the steps you need to prepare by reaching out to negotiation professionals.
Talk to Us About Preparing for Contract Negotiations
Are you wondering how to prepare for union contract negotiations? Our team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard can provide more information about the steps you should take to get ready for this critical process.
You can learn more about us and reach out for professional legal advice when you call or fill out our online contact form.
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