Collective bargaining strategies include presenting a united front, starting with easy items that everyone can agree on, giving rewards for compromise, and using union proposals as a basis for the bargaining discussion.
A Boston labor and employment law firm can help you learn more about the collective bargaining process and how to approach it to secure the highest chance of successfully negotiating with your employer.
Bargain as a United Team
One of the most effective collective bargaining strategies involves presenting a united front when dealing with your employer. You need to remember that you are one cohesive group with a common purpose.
You should discuss any issues amongst representatives before you meet with management. In some cases, you may need to hold committee meetings to resolve conflicts so you can negotiate as a united front.
Smoothing out differences and working together are effective collective bargaining strategies.
Monitor Any Conflicts Among the Management Team
Your collective bargaining team may use managerial conflicts. You can examine the body language of everyone on the management team and see if they seem uncomfortable with the statements of other team members.
In some cases, you can ask members of the management team questions about their opinions on particular issues. They may reveal that they do not fully support the position of others on the team, allowing you to push them toward agreeing with your side of the issue.
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Base Your Discussions on Union Proposals
The professionals recommend that you put all union proposals on the table at the beginning of negotiations and base all discussions on these proposals. Starting discussions from these proposals increases the odds that you’ll get a final outcome close to the union’s initial goals.
You can keep your bargaining group on target with this strategy by holding meetings before and after any meeting you have with management.
Start the Bargaining Process with Easy Items
Many negotiation teams find it effective to begin discussions with easy items that employees and employers can quickly agree about. These items will vary for each employee group, so you should discuss them with your team before beginning negotiations.
After you come to a few easy agreements, you can shift to issues regarding working conditions.
The professionals recommend that you do not jump directly into economic issues because once they arise, they tend to dominate the discussion.
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Ensure That You Reward Compromises
It may feel odd to think about rewarding management during collective bargaining procedures. However, showing them appreciation when they shift a position can have a positive effect on overall negotiations, so it represents an effective strategy.
You may even emphasize that their willingness to shift positions can increase your willingness to engage in compromise.
However, a compromise from your employer does not mean you must change your position on every issue. You need to stand your ground in some areas as you explore more examples of effective collective bargaining strategies.
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Insist on Proof for All Claims from Management
Sometimes, management claims they cannot afford the requests you make during collective bargaining. In this situation, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) gives you the right to demand that management open its books and show proof.
You can also request information about any proposals made by management that you believe will harm your bargaining unit.
Forcing management to provide you with proof can strengthen your position in negotiations. You can share this information with your co-workers to encourage their support during negotiations.
Invite Co-Workers to Observe Bargaining Sessions
You can ask workers outside of your bargaining team to attend sessions with management. This strategy can prove especially effective if your management team becomes abusive or engages in stall tactics.
Bringing in other workers means they can see the obstacles your team faces, demonstrating why you need their support and help implementing appropriate pressure tactics.
What Should You Avoid When Handling Collective Bargaining?
Part of effective collective bargaining involves avoiding actions that can weaken your position. The professionals recommend that you avoid:
- Showing unplanned expressions of emotion during bargaining meetings
- Making empty threats or promises
- Guessing at the position of management, ask them to repeat their position if you feel unsure about their stance on an issue
- Asking questions that could limit or narrow the benefits and rights of employees
Additionally, you have to begin collective bargaining by refusing to give in because of frustration or fatigue. Negotiators often require additional rest during the final stretch of collective bargaining.
Negotiators may need to postpone or limit their other obligations to focus fully on the collective bargaining process. You can learn more about what to do and what to avoid by asking professionals how the collective bargaining process works.
Talk to Us About Strategies for Collective Bargaining
What are effective collective bargaining strategies? You may want to work as a team, insist on proof from management when necessary, and start the process with issues you think you can easily compromise on.
You can learn more with our team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard. Find out more about us, and then call or fill out our online contact form to discuss legal issues associated with collective bargaining.
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