Question

The employees in your organization are unhappy with several aspects of their job, including pay. You have tried to solve this issue by creating new compensation plans, but with no availability. You hear talk of unionizing. When you bring this issue to your CEO, she vehemently opposes unions and tells you to let the employees know that if they choose to unionize, they will all lose their jobs. Knowing the CEOs threat is illegal, and knowing you may lose your job if the workers decide To unionize, how would you handle this?

Answer 1

In a situation of conflict of interest between the management and the worker's unions, the following strategies could be adopted to arbitrate and have a win-win solution-

• Try to understand the needs of both parties
• Call in a professional negotiator.
• Give both parties an equal and fair chance to present their case, and treat each other's opinions respectfully.
• Both parties should define their concerns and their needs, and they should also agree on the process for arbitration.
• Also determine the follow-up activities after a decision has been taken.