Chapter 31: Problem 1019

Describe the weapons used by management to combat unions.

Short Answer

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In summary, management can combat unions by employing tactics such as hiring replacement workers, implementing lockouts, seeking legal counsel, engaging in collective bargaining, launching public relations campaigns, requesting government intervention, and conducting employee surveys. These methods help management maintain operations, apply pressure on unions, and better understand workers' concerns to resolve labor disputes. However, it is crucial for management to remain aware of legal boundaries when applying these tactics.

Step by step solution

1. Hiring Replacement Workers

Management can hire temporary or permanent replacement workers when union workers go on strike. This can help the company to maintain operations and meet deadlines despite the ongoing labor dispute, thus putting pressure on the union to negotiate or end the strike.

2. Implementing Lockouts

A lockout is when the management closes the workplace for a workers, thus preventing them from working. This is done to put pressure on the union and its members to resolve the labor dispute faster, as they will not receive any wages during a lockout.

3. Seeking Legal Counsel

Managers can consult with attorneys experienced in labor law to help them navigate labor disputes and better understand their legal rights. They can provide guidance on developing and implementing strategies to address union-related issues.

4. Engaging in Collective Bargaining

Management can enter into negotiations with the union to resolve the dispute through collective bargaining. In many cases, both parties can reach an agreement that addresses the workers' concerns while maintaining the company's operational needs.

5. Public Relations Campaigns

Management can engage in public relations campaigns to convey their side of the story during labor disputes. By presenting a favorable image of the company to the public and highlighting the impact of the strike on consumers or the community, they can build support for their position and potentially increase pressure on the union to resolve the dispute.

6. Requesting Government Intervention

In some cases, management can seek government intervention to resolve labor disputes. This can include requesting mediation services or even asking for political support to bring an end to the strike or help reach a resolution.

7. Conducting Employee Surveys

Management can gain feedback and insights from non-union employees by conducting surveys and open forums. This information can help management to understand the concerns and expectations of the workforce better and craft strategies to address these concerns while dealing with unions. These are some of the weapons used by management to combat unions during labor disputes. It's important to note that rules and regulations governing labor relations may differ depending on the jurisdiction, and management should be aware of the legal boundaries when applying these tactics.

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