Content area
Full Text
During a union-organizing campaign, business leaders will naturally come to HR for guidance. They need a firm understanding of the basic communication expectations.
Before a campaign launches in your workplace, train managers about what they can and cannot say to employees and use role-playing techniques, which will help them get through what may be difficult interactions.
Union Communication Infographic
In the moment, leaders are going to want to respond to questions from their employees and must be prepared to educate employees with the relevant facts, to include the company's position relative to unions. Leaders should be empowered to answer all questions but also need to know the types of things they can and cannot say.
HR professionals can train leaders with the simple "TIPS" and "FOE" rules--acronyms that make it easy for managers to remember. Prior role-playing with HR and having an actual list of company talking points will make it easier for managers to comfortably address questions during a campaign.
TIPS
First, consider what a manager cannot say during a campaign: TIPS.
T = Threats
Threats or coercion are prohibited.
Examples of threats include: telling employees that the company will close a work location or a plant if employees vote for union representation, disciplining an individual...