Union Negotiation Strategies: Preparing for Union Negotiation

Today, the role of unions, since the industrial revolution has changed drastically. The concept of employee's union came into being due to the fact that capitalists were overworking manpower, unethically and were also depriving them of basic amenities, safety and hygiene. The concept can be considered to be one of the wisest creation of mankind. All the worker's or employee's unions were formed to fulfill one motive - 'to solve the problems and grievances of all the employees peacefully, without violence and destruction'. The formation of unions enables the smooth process of problem solving of all the employees. The following are some of the basic duties that are fulfilled by the unions in today's world.

• Solving Problems: The traditional duty of unions is fulfilled even today - solving problems. This peaceful process is conducted in all the organizations. The problems are reported by the members and workers to the union leaders. The leaders analyze the situation and try to solve the problem, then and there itself. However, if the magnitude and severity of the problem is high, it is often discussed with the management. The management and the board of directors then take required decisions on the basis of the report that is given by the union leaders.
• Safety: One of the added function of utmost importance that is executed by the unions, is ensuring the safety of the employees. This function has become more and more important due to the government laws and also the added hazards that are nowadays found in the industries. Many unions also advocate the use of insurance and medical facilities in the premises of the organization itself.
• Productivity Issues: Highly skilled union leaders have taken up the task of improvisation of productivity of all the employees. The leaders who undertake this responsibility, patiently and very skillfully boost the productivity of all the under-performers by constant informal training. This function is one of the best feature of the unions in the modern era.
• Increased remuneration: Another very important function that is fulfilled by the unions is making the management aware of the workers' skill and a need a raise in salary. The union makes the management aware of all the talents of an outstanding performer.
• Prevention of Riots and Strikes: Another very important function that is fulfilled by the unions is prevention of all the violent situations like riots or strikes. This kind of situation is dealt very cautiously and with precaution by the union leaders.
• Participation in Management : Many companies have started the concept of 'workers participation in management'. All the capitalists and entrepreneurs need people as a human resource to run their companies. The workers at the same time also need companies to employ them. Hence capitalists and workers take hints and tips from each other while running the company. When this idea was put into action for the first time, it sounded ridiculous. However, now it is one of the most widely accepted policies.

Preparing for Union Negotiations

Here are a few logical tips that you can bear in mind while preparing a union negotiation strategy.

• Try to make the situation a win and win situation. Union negotiations can have two logical results, namely, lose and win situation and a win and win situation. A win and win situation is very favorable for both the management of the organization and the union. To get a win-win situation, promise the management a very good, yet achievable productivity and then demand a reasonable rise in remuneration.
• At times, it so happens that the unfavorable market situations disturb the relations between the management and employees. In such a situation, put yourself in the shoes of the management (not practically), and analyze the situation. If the sales of the company are on an all-time low, just promise the management, productivity and demand a rise in the salary or bonus as and when economic conditions improve. Request the employer not to fire any one during such times as the fired person might not be able to find a new job in such a situation; and he and his family might end up suffering hardships.
• Make the management feel that they can rely on you in any difficulty. Also never over-demand or under-demand. Set a common parameter of productivity to demand bonuses for outstanding work.
• The person sitting across the table is a member of the management and also possibly one among the board of directors, hence consider him as a friend and not a foe. Have a polite, warm and pleasant conversation with all the members of management.
• Stay firm on matters related to safety of all the employees.
• Report any kind of abusive or arrogant behavior by the middle level management.

Corporate acts and laws related to human resource are very odd and, at times, unexpected too. The interpretations of labor laws, presented here, are by different legal experts, lawyers and attorneys. and the union negotiation strategies are a method to find out effective solutions to problems. A company is after all a team, family, that has a same soul.